Former University of Michigan men’s basketball head coach Dusty May has been helping the Dallas Mavericks continue a new era in Dallas, Texas. Here’s how May, 49, provides a major boost for the Mavericks’ new era in Dallas.
Dusty May Helps Dallas Mavericks Continue a New Era
Former Michigan men’s basketball head coach Dusty May was hired just one day before the 2026 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. May, who served as Michigan’s 18th head coach in men’s basketball history, is coming off a National Championship win, a 69-63 victory over the University of Connecticut, in April.
May’s coaching services helped the Wolverines succeed with its first National Championship since 1989. May was hired by the Dallas Mavericks just months after helping the Wolverines end their 26-year National Championship drought and just a day before the NBA Draft. His high-profile move was reportedly a tough decision, but a major boost in the near future.
May penned a heartfelt farewell letter to the Wolverines community in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Nothing is easy, but the Mavericks’ hiring of him is for the better. The Mavericks entered the NBA Draft on Tuesday night as they strive to build around the reigning NBA Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg. Dallas selected Flagg, now 19, with the first overall pick of the 2025 NBA Draft.
May Assists Mavericks in the NBA Draft
May brings coaching experience to Dallas, but there’s more than meets the eye. He has already appeared to assist the Mavericks in the NBA Draft starting with the selection of Morez Johnson Jr., a familiar face from Ann Arbor. Johnson Jr., 20, is more than a proven National Champion, he’s also predicted to be a part of the Mavericks’ young frontcourt alongside Flagg.
Johnson Jr. appears to be a great choice. He’s a high-upside, defensive-minded forward who fits May’s championship-caliber system. He can help shape one of the NBA’s most interesting young frontcourts. He can also improve the Mavericks’ winning mentality, thanks to his steady work ethic and leadership, defensive versatility and toughness, and team-centered attitude.
Mavericks’ NBA Draft Picks
The Mavericks entered the NBA Draft with three picks: the ninth and 30th overall picks in the first round and the 48th pick in the second round. The Mavs selected Morez Johnson Jr., a forward out of Michigan, with the ninth overall pick on Tuesday. As a result, Johnson Jr. will reunite with his former head coach Dusty May in the coming days — a cheerful sight to see.
May recently described Johnson as “a great defender for us” and highlighted Johnson’s versatility in guarding multiple positions. He also emphasized his awareness and synergy with his teammates. His words about him were more than affirmations, they were also a glimmer of hope for a struggling Mavs squad engulfed by a massive tornado over the last 16 months.
The Mavs selected Koa Peat, a forward out of Arizona, with the 30th overall pick. However, Dallas traded Peat, 19, to the New York Knicks in exchange for Sergio de Larrea, a guard from Spain. de Larrea, 20, is expected to be stowed for the time being, but can be a solid role player due to his strong shooting potential.
Mavericks’ Overall Outlook
The Mavericks’ outlook entering the 2026-27 NBA season appears to be a case of cautious optimism — a feeling of hope about a situation tempered by an awareness of failure. The Mavericks enter the upcoming season with a combination of high potential and massive challenges. The Mavs expect Kyrie Irving to return following a torn ACL in his left knee.
The Mavs have a skeleton of a contender: a young star on the rise, a veteran star returning to the court, and a diverse mix of role players. If the team addresses their playmaking, shooting, and front office direction-related issues, the team’s negative fate can be reversed in the near future en route to a potential return to the NBA Playoffs.
