​Former Illinois standout Morez Johnson Jr. turned heads with a dominant NBA Summer League debut Thursday night. In 32 minutes, Johnson Jr. poured in 27 points and grabbed eight rebounds while shooting an efficient 12-for-17 from the field. The Dallas Mavericks ultimately fell to the Golden State Warriors, a game in which Johnson’s former Michigan teammate Yaxel Lendeborg starred, signaling a strong reunion on the court for the two young forwards. The two players picked up right where they left off in college, each tallying more than 20 points for their new teams.
The surprise pick of the night came when the Mavericks chose Morez Johnson Jr. with the No. 11 overall selection in the 2026 NBA Draft. His stock surged throughout the pre-draft process after a standout performance at the NBA Draft Combine, and he climbed boards more than almost anyone entering draft night. Reuniting with his former coach, Dusty May, at Michigan, Johnson joined a Wolverines program that completed a historic season, finishing 37-3 and capturing both the Big Ten regular-season title and the NCAA National Championship. The Mavericks believe Johnson can become a pivotal piece for their future, noting his elite defensive prowess from college and his rapid translation of that defense to the professional level. In his Summer League debut, he registered three steals and two blocks, making an impact on both ends of the floor.
At just 20 years old, Johnson has ample room to expand his offensive repertoire. Against the Warriors, he attempted four three-pointers and knocked down one, in addition to contributing three assists that showcased the versatility that has made him such an appealing NBA prospect. Even though Johnson and the Mavericks couldn’t topple Lendeborg and the Warriors, Johnson’s performance suggested he’s ready to contribute in Dallas sooner rather than later.
There’s little surprise that Morez Johnson Jr. appears ready for the next level after the season he authored at Michigan. He earned Big Ten All-Defensive Team honors and was named to the Second Team All-Big Ten while helping lead the Wolverines to a national championship. Johnson averaged 13.1 points and 7.3 rebounds across 40 games during that standout season.
Before arriving at Michigan, Johnson spent a season at Illinois. The Harvey, Illinois native committed to Illinois early in his high school career and arrived in Champaign with lofty expectations after winning Illinois Mr. Basketball and competing in the 2024 Nike Hoop Summit. His lone season with the Illini, however, didn’t unfold as hoped, as he sought a larger role. He started eight games and averaged 17.6 minutes per contest as a freshman, a situation he felt impeded his development.
“I just didn’t think that was a place for me in my development,” Johnson explained. Realizing Illinois might not be the best long-term fit, he transferred to the Big Ten rival Michigan. The move came with its share of drama, including boos at the State Farm Center and intense scrutiny from Illini fans on social media throughout that season. Yet by the end of the year, Johnson had proven his value and continued to build momentum heading into his professional career, a path his recent Summer League showing only reinforced.