Mavericks Draft Morez Johnson Jr. as Three Michigan Players Hit NBA Lottery

The Dallas Mavericks selected Michigan forward Morez Johnson Jr. with the No. 9 pick in the 2026 NBA draft on June 23, less than six hours after naming former Michigan coach Dusty May as head coach. Johnson reunites with May in Dallas as part of a lottery surge for Michigan, which saw three players selected in the top 12 picks, according to the ESPN broadcast.

Johnson, a 6-foot-9 forward, started 40 games and helped lead Michigan to a national championship last season. He averaged 13.1 points and 7.3 rebounds as a sophomore after transferring from Illinois, while serving as a key part of Michigan’s defense.

When asked on the ESPN broadcast about May’s influence on the selection, Johnson laughed and said, “It’s his second day. I think he had a little bit, but not too much.” Johnson added that Dallas had always been a place he wanted to go.

Who were the other Michigan lottery picks?

The Golden State Warriors selected versatile 6-foot-9 forward Yaxel Lendeborg with the No. 11 pick. A consensus All-American and Big Ten Player of the Year, Lendeborg averaged 15.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists.

Lendeborg’s path included time at Arizona Western junior college and two seasons at UAB before joining Michigan. According to the broadcast, May transitioned Lendeborg from the center position to small forward after the player withdrew from the 2025 NBA draft.

Immediately following Lendeborg, the Oklahoma City Thunder took Aday Mara at No. 12. The 7-foot-3 Spain native earned Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year honors after transferring from UCLA to Michigan, where he averaged 12.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks as a junior.

Did You Know? Michigan became only the third reigning champion to have three lottery picks since the NBA lottery began in 1985, according to ESPN Research.

What is the historical significance of Michigan’s draft night?

The concentration of talent from Michigan reflects the program’s recent championship success. The draft also saw the Washington Wizards take AJ Dybantsa at No. 1 and the Utah Jazz take Darryn Peterson at No. 2.

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For Lendeborg, the selection was an emotional milestone. He credited his mother, who was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year, for pushing him to “step into the world and become a man,” he told ESPN.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the immediate reunion of Dusty May and Morez Johnson Jr. could accelerate Johnson’s integration into the Mavericks’ system. Having a lottery pick who already understands a head coach’s defensive expectations may provide Dallas with a tactical advantage during the rookie’s transition to the professional level.

What happens next for the Mavericks and Johnson?

Johnson and May could develop a quick rapport given their previous history at Michigan. Johnson noted that “we got work to do,” suggesting an immediate focus on training.

The Mavericks may look to leverage Johnson’s defensive capabilities, which were established during his sophomore season. His presence could potentially reshape the team’s frontcourt depth as May begins his first tenure as an NBA head coach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Michigan players were selected in the 2026 NBA lottery?
Morez Johnson Jr. (No. 9), Yaxel Lendeborg (No. 11), and Aday Mara (No. 12).

How did Dusty May influence Yaxel Lendeborg’s development?
May moved Lendeborg from the center position to small forward after Lendeborg withdrew from the 2025 NBA draft.

What were Aday Mara’s statistics during his junior year at Michigan?
Mara averaged 12.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game.

How do you think the reunion of Dusty May and Morez Johnson Jr. will impact the Dallas Mavericks’ performance next season?