As the Boston Celtics prepare for another deep playoff run, their front office is already laying the groundwork for sustained contention. While the NBA Draft is not the immediate priority amid the postseason push, smart teams never stop evaluating talent that can elevate their roster.
According to Yahoo Sports NBA Senior Analyst Kevin O’Connor’s latest mock draft, the Celtics are projected to select Michigan forward Morez Johnson Jr. with the 27th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft .
Johnson, a 6’9″, 250-pound sophomore, transferred from Illinois to Michigan before the season and quickly became an indispensable piece for the Wolverines. He averaged 13.1 points and 7.3 rebounds per game while shooting an efficient 62.3% from the field, helping lead Michigan to the 2026 NCAA national championship .
The “Wrecking Ball” Who Does the Little Things
O’Connor highlights Johnson as a player who often flies under the national radar amid Michigan’s star-studded lineup, yet he functions as the team’s connective tissue and “bone-crushing” enforcer on both ends of the floor.
“He’s a 250-pound wrecking ball with surprisingly soft hands and the defensive IQ to guard 1 through 5 in a switch-heavy scheme,” O’Connor wrote. “And he makes constant plays beyond the box score with bone-crushing screens, full-court sprints and high-IQ rotations that blow up the opponent’s action” .
This profile aligns perfectly with the type of high-character, team-first contributors the Celtics have targeted in recent drafts. Johnson’s ability to impact winning without needing the spotlight makes him an intriguing fit for a Boston roster that values versatility, toughness, and defensive versatility .
Defensive Versatility: A Modern NBA “Swiss Army Knife”
On the defensive end, Johnson has drawn praise as a potential “Swiss Army knife” who can anchor the paint while switching onto smaller players thanks to his quick feet and instincts .
Johnson’s biggest NBA selling point is his defensive impact and versatility. He’s been among the best defenders in the entire country this season with Michigan. His combination of strength, tools and instincts has created a pretty potent impact on defense. He is averaging 1.1 blocks and 0.7 steals per game, with a great 5.7 defensive box-plus-minus .
With Johnson in the vicinity this season, players shot a measly 33% on 155 shot attempts, notably just 25% on jumpers .
Far and away the biggest emergence for Johnson this year has been his perimeter defense. He has shown genuine switch-ability guarding on the wing, essentially able to guard everyone on the floor. He moves his feet exceptionally well on the perimeter, has some genuine twitchiness to him, and his ability to fan out and disrupt with really active hands here is a real difference-maker .
His combination of both interior and perimeter prowess allows him to be effective in pick-and-roll situations, able to knock bigs off spots, deflect with long arms, and even stick with handlers due to his movement .
The Championship Pedigree
Johnson’s journey adds depth to his story. After one season at Illinois, the transfer to Michigan paid off in the best possible way, culminating in a national title. His postseason performances further boosted his stock, showcasing his ability to contribute in high-stakes environments as the connective tissue on what became the best team in college basketball .
In the national championship game against UConn, Johnson recorded a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds, helping Michigan secure its first national title since 1989 .
Areas for Development
O’Connor notes that Johnson “isn’t quite big enough to be a true center and not yet proven enough as a shooter to guarantee he spaces the floor.” However, the analyst points to Boston’s strong player-development program as a key asset: “The Celtics can be patient and are proving to have a strong developmental program to help resolve any concerns” .
His three-point shooting remains a question mark. Johnson has attempted just 24 threes in his time with Michigan, hitting on 10 of those for a 42% clip. Of course, that sample size is far too small to draw firm conclusions .
Another area for improvement is his passing and play-making. Johnson is averaging 1.1 assists per game to 1.3 turnovers, for a negative assist-to-turnover ratio .
The Celtics Fit: A “Rugged, High-IQ Forward”
For the Celtics, adding a 250-pound “iron wall” with elite defensive instincts and guard-like mobility could provide valuable frontcourt depth and physicality. In a league trending toward positionless basketball, Johnson’s combination of size, motor, and basketball IQ offers intriguing upside—especially if Boston’s coaching staff can refine his perimeter skills over time .
While mocks are fluid and the actual draft order will depend on playoff outcomes and lottery results, O’Connor’s projection underscores Johnson as a potential late-first-round steal with the intangibles that championship contenders covet. If the Celtics do land him at No. 27, it could represent one of the draft’s quietest yet most impactful selections: a rugged, high-IQ forward ready to contribute to a winning culture from day one.
The Verdict: A Ransom Worth Paying
Johnson’s physical profile is ideal for the modern NBA. He possesses a 7-foot-plus wingspan that more than compensates for his slightly undersized 6’9″ height, and his 250-pound frame allows him to hold his own against opposing bigs . His free-throw shooting (78.3%) is a strong indicator of future shooting potential, and his touch around the rim is elite .
His former tennis background—he played tennis until age 11—has given him rare lateral quickness and hand-eye coordination for a player his size, contributing to his defensive versatility .
As the 2026 NBA Draft approaches, Morez Johnson Jr. has positioned himself as a player whose on-court production and championship pedigree speak louder than hype. For Boston fans dreaming of Banner 19 (and beyond), this “wrecking ball” could be the ransom well worth paying.