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After having three players selected in the NBA Draft lottery for the first time in school history, the Michigan Wolverines will be well represented in the 2026 NBA Summer League with five players set to make their professional debuts this month.
Here’s a breakdown of the former Michigan players taking the court in the NBA’s annual summer showcase.
Morez Johnson Jr. (Dallas Mavericks)
After being selected with the ninth pick by the Dallas Mavericks, Johnson reunited with former Michigan head coach Dusty May, who left Ann Arbor to take the reins in Dallas. Johnson averaged 13.1 points and 7.3 rebounds this past season, while shooting an efficient 62.3 percent from the field to help the Wolverines win the national championship. He will now try to make a positive impression in the Summer League and eventually secure a spot in the rotation as a rookie.
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Debut: Thursday, July 9 at 7 p.m. on ESPN
Yaxel Lendeborg (Golden State Warriors)
Drafted by the Warriors with the 11th pick, Lendeborg landed with one of the NBA’s most prestigious franchises and will now get a chance to play with Stephen Curry. Lendeborg capped his college career by posting a team-high 15.1 points and 6.8 rebounds per game, winning Big Ten Player of the Year and spearheading Michigan’s title run. There’s no doubt his versatile skillset translates to the next level, and he should shine as Golden State competes in San Francisco and Las Vegas.
Debut: Friday, July 3 at 10:30 p.m. on TBD network
Aday Mara (Oklahoma City Thunder)
There wasn’t a better landing spot for Mara than the Thunder, as he will immediately join a championship contender and provide an instant boost off the bench. He was drafted by Oklahoma City with the 12th overall pick, and the 7-foot-3 big man will bring elite rim protection and front court depth to the table. Mara broke a program-record with 103 blocks in his lone season in Ann Arbor and will now show off his unique skillset in the Summer League.
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Debut: Saturday, July 4 at 3 p.m. on TBD network
Nimari Burnett (Toronto Raptors)
Despite not being selected in the draft, Burnett quickly signed an Exhibit-10 contract…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/5-former-michigan-basketball-players-130000802.html
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Publish date : 2026-07-03 13:00:00
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