The Dallas Mavericks made a notable move early in the 2026 NBA Draft by selecting Morez Johnson Jr. with the ninth overall pick on Tuesday. The decision, confirmed unanimously by the team’s leadership including president Masai Ujiri and governor Patrick Dumont, highlighted a commitment to defense and frontcourt depth, diverging from widespread expectations that the team might prioritize a guard or wing player.
Johnson, a 6-foot-9 forward/center from Michigan, is recognized for his athleticism, physicality, and defensive capabilities. Over his sophomore season, he averaged 13.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 1.1 blocks per game while shooting efficiently across multiple areas—62.3% from the field, 34.3% from three-point range, and 78.2% from the free-throw line. Mavericks general manager Mike Schmitz described Johnson as a high-energy competitor with considerable toughness and an impressive motor, emphasizing his success as a 20-year-old performing at an elite college level.
The selection adds to a crowded Mavericks frontcourt, joining players such as Cooper Flagg, Daniel Gafford, Naji Marshall, Dereck Lively II, Caleb Martin, and P.J. Washington. While this depth could provide flexibility, Schmitz did not offer specifics on how the roster might adjust to accommodate Johnson’s arrival.
In a separate move, Dallas acquired the 25th overall pick and the draft rights to Sergio De Larrea, a 6-foot-6 Spanish point guard, from the New York Knicks. The Mavericks parted with the 30th pick and two future second-round selections in the process. De Larrea’s addition suggests confidence in the team’s backcourt core, particularly with the potential return of veteran guard Kyrie Irving, who is expected to rejoin the roster after recovering from ACL surgery over a year and a half ago.
Dusty May, the Mavericks’ recently appointed head coach who previously coached Johnson at Michigan, played a significant advisory role in the draft decisions. Schmitz noted May’s detailed insights into several prospects, including Johnson, underscoring the collaborative approach taken during the selection process.
Later in the second round, Dallas also selected Virginia Tech forward Tobi Lawal with the 48th overall pick. Lawal is noted for his exceptional athleticism and rebounding ability, traits that could add another dimension to the team’s frontcourt versatility.
These acquisitions form part of the Mavericks’ broader strategy to assemble a flexible and competitive roster surrounding cornerstone players like Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving. However, the team’s precise direction—whether a full rebuild, a reload, or a hybrid approach—has yet to be clearly defined as these new pieces integrate into the roster.