The Dallas Mavericks closed the 2026 NBA Draft with four newcomers. With the first pick at ninth overall, they selected Michigan forward Morez Johnson Jr. The team then traded up from the thirtieth spot to the twenty-fifth to acquire Spanish guard Sergio De Larrea. At forty-eighth, they kept Virginia Tech forward Tobi Lawal, and they purchased the fifty-sixth slot from the Los Angeles Lakers to add Russian sharpshooter Vsevolod Ishchenko. It was the franchise’s first draft under president Masai Ujiri and general manager Mike Schmitz.

Morez Johnson Jr. arrives in Dallas as a forward known for his defensive instincts at Michigan. The source highlights his ability to guard multiple positions and his willingness to do the dirty work on that end of the floor. While his offensive game still needs refinement, his defensive upside fits a Mavericks roster that values versatility and effort.

Sergio De Larrea and Vsevolod Ishchenko represent the international flavor of Ujiri’s draft strategy. Both have demonstrated shooting ability in overseas competition, though De Larrea is still developing and Ishchenko is coming from a lower-tier Russian division. The source notes that both players may remain overseas for another year to continue their growth, meaning they will not provide an immediate boost to the Mavericks’ backcourt.

The draft emphasized the Mavericks’ departure from a guard-heavy, ready-made approach. With no proven shooting guards selected and two of the four picks likely staying abroad, Dallas exits the draft without a player who can contribute right away. Johnson’s defensive skill adds depth, but the team still lacks a guard who can stretch the floor this season.

A draft-night comment captured the philosophy: “As part of its ongoing project to give Cooper Flagg as little floor space as possible, Dallas passed on a talented guard (Brayden Burries, whom Milwaukee giddily snagged with the next pick) to cram...”. The remark underscores a willingness to prioritize long-term projection over immediate impact, even at the cost of passing on a ready-made talent.

Looking ahead, the Mavericks will evaluate De Larrea and Ishchenko in summer league to gauge their readiness. If both remain overseas, the front office must explore free-agency signings or a trade to address the guard depth shortage before training camp. Johnson will join rookie orientation and could earn minutes if the coaching staff trims the big-man rotation. The offseason will be judged on how quickly Dallas fills the backcourt void left by the draft.