A player NBA teams may regret passing on is Morez Johnson Jr. Many early mock drafts predict he will go in the middle to late first round, but the talented forward has a chance to become one of those players who will be mentioned years from now as a player NBA front offices missed out on. It would not be a surprise if he ended up being the steal of the 2026 NBA Draft.
Morez Johnson Jr. Showed Ability to Adapt
After putting on a stellar showing during Michigan’s national title run, Johnson skyrocketed up draft boards. He really caught the attention of NBA scouts with his defensive tenacity, rebounding, and infectious energy. With all of those qualities, how will his game translate to the NBA? The most remarkable aspect about Johnson that’s hardly noticed is his adaptability. He was able to come into coach Dustin May’s system with other transfers and figured out a role that allowed him to be successful and still get noticed among the other star players.
Johnson will definitely go in the first round, and teams should consider trading up to get him. The impact he makes isn’t seen in the box score, but his presence alone makes a difference. Two-way players and defenders who can protect the rim are always in high demand, and he could be the missing piece on a contending squad. The former All-Big Ten performer could also join a struggling team while developing into a vital piece of the main core.
The biggest adjustment Johnson will need to make is the mental speed required to interpret the game at the professional level. The schemes in the NBA will be more complex, and his biggest hurdle may be defending guards coming off of switches. If he can handle guarding smaller, quicker players, Johnson Jr. gives the team more defensive flexibility and won’t become a liability. There shouldn’t be much of a learning curve on the defensive end, but he will have to be disciplined against elite NBA guards. If he develops that aspect of his game, he has every other tool to become a reliable long-term starter.
NBA-Ready Defensive Skill Set Gives Johnson Jr. Advantage
The defensive versatility Johnson displays is what NBA coaches desire. Knowing he can defend multiple positions is a plus. Equipped with a non-stop motor, he actively chases down rebounds, gambles for steals, and wreaks havoc on an opposing team’s game plan. The hustle and determination he displays are what will earn him playing time. Having the ability to excel without the ball in his hands also tends to translate well for young frontcourt players entering the NBA. Johnson has All-NBA Defensive Team type potential and is capable of being a team’s defensive anchor.
While Johnson has the prototypical size to become a dominant shot blocker, he has to improve his anticipation. This is a part of his game he can improve, and learning how to play “straight up” in the league will be crucial when avoiding fouls. Despite his stature, he will also need to work on leverage. He won’t be able to outmuscle everyone he faces and will have to depend more on positioning instead.
High Reward, Low-Risk Prospect
NBA front offices know exactly what they are going to get out of Johnson. There is nowhere for him to go but up, and he should be just fine in whatever system he plays in. He isn’t polished offensively, but that’s something he can work on in due time. While he scores most of his points off of putbacks, cuts and in transition, he has plenty to add to his offensive repertoire.
If Johnson can expand his game beyond traditional scoring in the paint, he makes himself a bigger threat. If he can develop a consistent jump shot extending beyond the arc, it would force opposing big men out of the paint, allowing driving lanes for his teammates.
If Johnson can round out his offensive skill set, his defensive instincts should allow him to be an immediate asset to any team that invests in his future.
