2026 NBA mock draft: Sixers select Morez Johnson Jr. with No. 22 pick
Article excerpt
In a projected 2026 NBA draft scenario, the Philadelphia 76ers use the No. 22 overall pick to select Morez Johnson Jr., a big man from Michigan. The mock draft positions Johnson as a fit for the Sixers' roster needs, though the actual draft remains years away and player development, trades, and other roster moves could significantly alter Philadelphia's draft priorities by then. Mock drafts serve as speculative exercises in scouting and team-building strategy.
The Philadelphia 76ers will be looking to make the right selection and add another promising young piece to the roster in the 2026 NBA draft. They hold the No. 22 pick in the draft via the Houston Rockets, thanks to a certain trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder at the deadline, and will look to add to a talented roster.
The Sixers have hit on their draft picks in the past. Players such as Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe, and a certain guard now in OKC, have found a way to make an impact in this league. Led by a new President of Basketball Operations in the form of Mike Gansey, the Sixers will look to keep that moving in the right direction.
A mock draft performed by Bleacher Report has the Sixers selecting Michigan big man Morez Johnson Jr. at No. 22 overall:
The Sixers can, should and almost certainly will use this pick to breathe new life into their frontcourt. They'll just have to decide whether they want depth at the 4 spot or insurance behind Joel Embiid at the 5.
Then again, Johnson might offer the best of both worlds, since he has enough strength and length to handle spot minutes in the middle but also the necessary quickness and agility to hang with wings. His motor, defensive versatility and physicality are all obvious strengths, and if he shoots anything like he did at the combine, the Sixers would be getting a steal.
Johnson averaged 13.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks in the 2025-26 season as he helped Michigan win the title. He will now look to carry those skills to the next level as he makes an impact in the league. He has a soft touch around the basket and is at the top of the big board for Sixers Wire. Philadelphia may be out of the draft range for him, but if he's there at 22, he would be a no-brainer for the Sixers.
This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: 2026 NBA mock draft: Sixers select Morez Johnson Jr. with No. 22 pick