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Mavericks’ Morez Johnson Jr. has perfect reaction to reuniting with Dusty May as No. 9 pick
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- Mavericks’ Morez Johnson Jr. has perfect reaction to reuniting with Dusty May as No. 9 pick
Mavericks' Morez Johnson Jr. has perfect reaction to reuniting with Dusty May as No. 9 pick appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
The Dallas Mavericks are asking new head coach Dusty May to help rejuvenate a franchise that has been engulfed by a massive bad optics tornado over the last 16-plus months. When taking on such an arduous challenge, it makes sense to start with what you know, especially if it just helped you win a national championship. May is reuniting with Michigan big man Morez Johnson Jr .
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The Mavs had the full Wolverines trio at their disposal, but to the surprise of some, they opted to use the No. 9 overall selection on one of the top defenders in the 2026 NBA Draft class. Johnson embraced former teammates Yaxel Lendeborg and Aday Mara before hugging May. This winning duo is hoping to make an immediate impact together in Dallas.
The Second-Team All-Big Ten selection measured in at 6-foot-9 without shoes, which is not typically considered an ideal size for a player who only took 35 attempts from 3-point land last season. However, no one can deny the physicality and relentlessness he brought to Ann Arbor. May valued the Illinois transfer's defensive versatility, and he was not disappointed.
Johnson averaged 13.1 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.1 blocks while shooting 62.3 percent from the field and 34.3 percent from distance. He played in all 40 games, occupying a vital role for arguably the best team in Michigan basketball history. He will continue to develop alongside HC Dusty May.
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These two men injected new life into the Wolverines, and they will try to do the same for a Mavericks squad that already boasts Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg and future Hall of Famer Kyrie Irving . These Midwestern natives will never forget this night.
Related: Pistons, Nets suffer as most brutal losers of 2026 NBA Draft Round 1
Related: Mavericks' Morez Johnson Jr. drops 'dangerous' reaction to Cooper Flagg pairing
