Mavericks’ Morez Johnson Jr. drops ‘dangerous’ reaction to Cooper Flagg pairing

Arguably, the biggest surprise of the NBA Draft on Tuesday was Morez Johnson Jr. going to the Dallas Mavericks at No. 9. Johnson was not widely projected to be picked in the top 10, but apparently, the Mavericks were pretty high on him.

Johnson helped Michigan win the national title. Among the Wolverines who applied for the NBA Draft,  including Yaxel Lendeborg and Aday Mara, Johnson was expected to be selected last. It turned out to be the exact opposite. Lendeborg went to the Golden State Warriors at No. 11, while Mara went to the Oklahoma City Thunder at No. 12.

Johnson’s advantages are his athleticism, motor, and tenacity. He could make an impact for the Mavericks, especially on the defensive end, although he would likely come off the bench.

The 20-year-old forward is not lacking in confidence, even expressing his excitement in teaming up with Cooper Flagg, as reported by Locked on Mavs’ Isaac Harris.

“I think it can get dangerous, us two on the court at the same time. I’ve been playing against Coop for a very long time. I’m very excited and happy that I’m on the same side as him and get some wins together,” said Johnson.

Morez Johnson Jr. on playing with Cooper Flagg

“I think it can get dangerous, us
two on the court at the same time. I've been playing against Coop for a very long time. I'm very excited and happy that I'm on the same side as him. Get some wins together”

— Isaac Harris (@IsaacLHarris) June 24, 2026

He averaged 13.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks in his lone year at Michigan. Before transferring to Ann Arbor, he played at Illinois for one season.

Before getting chosen by the Mavericks, Johnson was heavily linked to the Thunder, while the Chicago Bulls tried to move up from No. 15 to acquire him, as reported by ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel.

Siegel had Johnson going to Oklahoma City at No. 12 in the final edition of his mock draft.

The Mavericks will hope that their gamble will pay off and get another blue-chip rookie after Flagg’s sensational campaign.

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