Michigan forward Morez Johnson Jr. could help solidify Warriors defense

The Warriors possess the No.11 pick in this month’s NBA draft.Who they pick with their highest selection since 2021 could hold the cards to not only the final years of Steph Curry’s career but also the future direction of the franchise.This week, we are profiling five possible prospects GM Mike Dunleavy Jr.

could target.Age: 20Position: ForwardHeight/weight: 6-foot-9 / 250 poundsSchool: MichiganThe Warriors were so short on frontcourt depth at the end of last season that they signed a center to their G League team that ended the regular season playing real NBA minutes.Charles Bassey and Golden State’s three other big men — Al Horford, Kristaps Porzingis and Quinten Post — all have uncertain futures.Even if some combination of them returns, a player whose game and body are as developed as Johnson’s will find a way to contribute.

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By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.Never miss a story Johnson teamed up with Yaxel Lendeborg, another possible Warriors target, and 7-3 center Aday Mara, who could also go in the lottery, to form one of the most physically formidable front courts in the country while leading Michigan to a national championship.Johnson’s switchability and physicality on defense may remind you of another player from around those parts.

He also has the same kind of length that has helped Draymond Green — a Michigan State man — be an elite defender, with a wingspan measuring 7-3 ½.Johnson is the prototypical high-floor, low-ceiling player.He doesn’t have a 3-point shot and hasn’t tried to incorporate one.He has the physicality to get to the rim and finish through contact but isn’t considered to have many moves in his bag.That said, Johnson knows his skill set and doesn’t waste shots, setting an Illinois record for field-goal percentag...