​NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 23: (L-R) Morez Johnson Jr., Aday Mara and Yaxel Lendeborg pose for a photo before Round One of the 2026 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 23, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images) | Getty Images After three Michigan players were chosen in the NBA Draft lottery for the first time in school history, the Wolverines will be well represented in the 2026 NBA Summer League, with five players set to make their professional debuts this month. Here’s a rundown of the former Michigan stars who will hit the court in the NBA’s annual summer showcase.
Morez Johnson Jr. (Dallas Mavericks) After being selected ninth overall by the Mavericks, Johnson reunites with former Michigan head coach Dusty May, who left Ann Arbor to lead Dallas. Johnson averaged 13.1 points and 7.3 rebounds this past season, shooting 62.3 percent from the field as Michigan captured the national title. He will look to make a strong impression in the Summer League and break into the rotation as a rookie. Debut: Thursday, July 9 at 7 p.m. on ESPN.
Yaxel Lendeborg (Golden State Warriors) Drafted 11th overall by the Warriors, Lendeborg joins one of the league’s most storied franchises and will get a chance to play alongside Stephen Curry. He finished his college career with a team-high 15.1 points and 6.8 rebounds per game, earned Big Ten Player of the Year, and propelled Michigan’s title run. His versatile game should translate well to the next level as Golden State competes in San Francisco and Las Vegas. Debut: Friday, July 3 at 10:30 p.m. on TBD network.
Aday Mara (Oklahoma City Thunder) The Thunder are an ideal destination for Mara, who will immediately contribute depth and rim protection off the bench. Drafted 12th overall by OKC, the 7-foot-3 center is known for elite shot-blocking and frontcourt versatility. Mara set a program record with 103 blocks in his lone Michigan season and will showcase his unique skill set in the Summer League. Debut: Saturday, July 4 at 3 p.m. on TBD network.
Nimari Burnett (Toronto Raptors) Although undrafted, Burnett quickly signed an Exhibit-10 contract with the Raptors and will participate in the Summer League. The former Wolverine shot 38.4 percent from three during his time at Michigan and will look to bring his sharpshooting to the pro level. He’s likely to spend time in the G-League next season, but a strong Summer League showing could earn him a camp invite. Debut: Friday, July 10 at 9 p.m. on ESPN.
Roddy Gayle Jr. (Detroit Pistons) Staying local, Gayle signed a Summer League contract with the Pistons and will attempt to make an impact in Las Vegas. Debut: (date and network to be announced).