Mavericks rookie Morez Johnson Jr. reveals ‘insane’ full-circle fact about Dallas selection

Morez Johnson Jr. could not hide his excitement after hearing his name called by the Dallas Mavericks, and he shared a detail that made the moment even sweeter. The Mavericks selected the Michigan forward with the ninth overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, and Johnson revealed right afterward that Dallas had quietly been his dream destination all along.

“I’ve wanted to play for Dallas forever, man. I haven’t said it at all during this draft process, but it’s insane,” Johnson said during the draft.

“I’ve wanted to play for Dallas forever, man. I haven’t said it at all during this draft process, but it’s insane.”

– Morez Johnson Jr. to @nick_knows_ball right after going 9th #MFFL x @morezjohnsonJr pic.twitter.com/BF5HNbHwXp

— All Things Mavs | Jimmy C Hoops (@All_Things_Mavs) June 28, 2026

The pick carried an extra layer of meaning. Johnson reunites with Dusty May, who coached him at Michigan and was hired as the Mavericks’ new head coach just one day before the draft. May guided the Wolverines to the 2026 national championship last season, with Johnson serving as one of the team’s defensive anchors.

“I’m going to Dallas with my coach,” Johnson said, summing up the full-circle nature of the night.

The 6-foot-9 forward made his name at Michigan as a relentless, physical presence. He averaged 13.1 points and 7.3 rebounds per game and earned All-Big Ten Defensive Team honors while helping the Wolverines win it all. May often referred to him as his enforcer.

In Dallas, Johnson lands on a team building around reigning Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg. The Mavericks see Johnson’s toughness, rebounding, and versatile defense as traits that can complement Flagg both now and down the line.

The familiarity with May should ease the transition. Johnson already knows the system and the standard his coach demands, and he will look to carry the same edge that defined his championship run into the NBA.

For Johnson, it all added up to a night that felt almost too perfect. His dream team called his name, and his college coach was there waiting.

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