Morez Johnson Jr.'s first day at NBA Draft Combine is all he needed to cement his place

Morez Johnson Jr. is going to play this by ear. While he was a huge part in Michigan's national championship run this past season, Johnson wisely entered the 2026 NBA Draft, while retaining his eligibility. The 6-foot-9 and 251-pound forward had a mid-to-late first-round grade coming out. If he fell to the second round, he could come back. He is hoping for a first-round guarantee. He will get it...

Adam Finkelstein of CBS Sports was so impressed with Johnson's measurables during the combine.

Albert Ghim of No Ceilings NBA views Johnson as "a terrifying prospect" with such great physicality.

And Clayton Sayfie of TheWolverine.com reported that Johnson made 17-of-25 of his 3-point shots.

Johnson may not be a lottery player, but some team of quality is going to take a chance on him as an athlete growing into his body. He just played a huge role in Michigan's first national title in 36 years. The sheer physicality that Dusty May's team played with was too much for most teams to even dream about handling. No wonder Johnson is not alone when it comes to likely being taken in the first round.

If Johnson's overall game was not going to get him drafted top-30, his combine exploits sure will now!

Morez Johnson Jr. made himself some money during NBA Draft Combine

Johnson having the option to retain his eligibility if he does not go in the first round is huge for him. No matter what happens, he will be compensated appropriately. Players that go in the first round have far better contracts given out to them than second-round picks. Because we live in the wonderful world of NIL, Johnson can be compensated fairly if he were to return to school because of his brand.

And this right here is what NIL should be all about! Johnson played a huge role on Michigan's greatest team in over a generation. While his NBA career could go in a multitude of ways, he is already a legend in Ann Arbor. As long as he retains eligibility, he can conceivably come back to Michigan for another year or two. Every hooper dreams of making it to the NBA, but why try to rush these things?

Fortunately for Johnson, it seems as though his stock is rising. The chances of him falling outside the top 30 look to be increasingly slim. Of course, teams saying they are going to draft him and them actually doing the thing are two completely separate entities. Right now, it is good to be Johnson because he has options. If he looked lost at the combine, then that could have been a separate issue.

What is important for Michigan is how the Wolverines will counterbalance losing one player after another to the draft. Dusty May is a phenomenal head coach, but replacing the likes of Yaxel Lendeborg, Aday Mara, and now likely Johnson, will not be easy. Players may flock to Michigan now because everyone wants to win. That being said, what made last year's team special is turning pro.

The NBA Draft is still a little ways away, but it is looking increasingly likely that Johnson goes top-30.

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