Morez Johnson Jr. mock draft: Final prediction for Michigan star on draft day

Follow along for live rumors and news from around the league on NBA draft day.

It's almost time for Morez Johnson Jr. to learn where he'll begin his professional career. The 2026 NBA Draft begins on Tuesday night and Michigan fans will be paying close attention.

Following the NBA draft combine and weeks of pre-draft workouts , front offices will finalize their decisions this evening. After extensive conversations with folks around the league, we have more intel on when each prospect might hear their name called during draft nights at Barclays Center for the first round on June 23 and and the second on June 24.

Our mock draft includes data from CBB Analytics . We also spoke with P3 , a sports science and athletic training company that uses biomechanical data and movement profiling to evaluate players and project NBA outcomes, to better understand how certain prospects translate physically to the next level.

While news of two big trades broke late night on Monday, June 22 - one involving Giannis Antetokounmpo and the other involving Julius Randle - neither can be executed until July 6 at 12:01 p.m. ET, which is the start of the new league year. So, those 2026 picks remain with their current teams in our mock draft, although those teams will be selecting players on behalf of their trade partners.

Following conversations with decision-makers around the league and other trusted reporting, here are our latest prediction for the Charlotte Hornets.

Morez Johnson Jr. 2026 NBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 14 overall, Charlotte Hornets

Kalbrosky's Analysis:

Morez Johnson Jr. is one of the best two-way players in the NCAA. He was a crucial part of the Michigan identity this season and thrived since transferring to the Wolverines from Illinois; he can bring that same mentality to the Hornets, who are searching for a new big man. He should have interest as high as No. 9 overall, where he could reunite with his former coach Duty May on the Mavericks. Johnson's shooting form at the free-throw line looks good, and he scores well near the rim, especially when cutting to the basket. The former FIBA U-19 Team USA standout and All-Big Ten big man is a very trustworthy defensive playmaker, too, and should carve out minutes at the next level. Johnson was a big winner during measurements at the combine, recording a 39-inch max vertical and testing with elite agility for his position.

See USA TODAY's final, two-round mock draft here

Morez Johnson Jr. player profile

• Position: Forward
• Previous Team: Michigan
• 13.1 points per game
• 7.2 rebounds per game
• 1.1 assists per game
• 62.8 field goal percentage
• 37.9 three-point field goal percentage

2026 Charlotte Hornets mock draft roundup

• April 6: Braylon Mullins / Jayden Quaintance
• April 13: Braylon Mullins / Jayden Quaintance
• April 28: Nate Ament / Jayden Quaintance
• May 8: Labaron Philon / Jayden Quaintance
• May 10: Labaron Philon / Jayden Quaintance
• May 19: Cameron Carr / Morez Johnson Jr.
• May 28: Cameron Carr / Morez Johnson Jr.
• June 8: Morez Johnson Jr. / Labaron Philon
• June 15:Morez Johnson Jr. / Labaron Philon Jr. / Maliq Brown

Slashes indicate multiple first round selections

2026 NBA Draft first round order

1. Washington Wizards
2. Utah Jazz
3. Memphis Grizzlies
4. Chicago Bulls
5. Los Angeles Clippers (via IND)
6. Brooklyn Nets
7. Sacramento Kings
8. Atlanta Hawks (via NOP)
9. Dallas Mavericks
10. Milwaukee Bucks
11. Golden State Warriors
12. Oklahoma City Thunder (via LAC)
13. Milwaukee Bucks (via MIA)
14. Charlotte Hornets
15. Chicago Bulls (via POR)
16. Memphis Grizzlies (via PHX)
17. Oklahoma City Thunder (via PHI)
18. Charlotte Hornets (via ORL)
19. Toronto Raptors
20. San Antonio Spurs (via ATL)
21. Detroit Pistons (via MIN)
22. Philadelphia 76ers (via HOU)
23. Atlanta Hawks (via CLE)
24. New York Knicks
25. Los Angeles Lakers
26. Denver Nuggets
27. Boston Celtics
28. Brooklyn Nets (via DET)
29. Cleveland Cavaliers (via SAS)
30. Dallas Mavericks (via OKC)