The San Antonio Spurs have plenty of flexibility heading into the 2026 NBA offseason, a change of pace from most Finals-bound teams.
After making the Finals, in recent seasons, teams like the Boston Celtics, Toronto Raptors, and Denver Nuggets had to shed a massive amount of salary. The Spurs, meanwhile, have ample cap room, draft picks, and trade assets.
With the 20th overall pick in the NBA Draft, the Spurs are expected to target a power forward. Michigan’s Yaxel Lendeborg is on top of Full Court Press’ big board for San Antonio, although he likely won’t be available 20th overall.
Neither will one of his Michigan teammates, but the Spurs have been advised to go after him, anyway.
Morez Johnson Cracks Spurs’ Draft Targets
Lendeborg may have made the All-American team, but he was far from the only star on the Wolverines. Power forward Morez Johnson averaged 13.1 points and 7.3 rebounds in his second college season.
Johnson is not as reliable a shooter as Lendeborg is expected to be, but his defense is just as good, if not better. He can play with power and physicality down low, pushing even the biggest defenders out of his way as he scores from the post.
Zach Randolph-lite!
Like Lendeborg, there’s little guarantee that Johnson will still be available when the 20th pick rolls around, so the Spurs would have to make a trade.
“It would behoove the Spurs to trade up, if possible, for a big, physical power forward who can play center,” wrote Yahoo’s Morten Stig Jensen. “Michigan’s Morez Johnson Jr. would be a strong get. He’s already built like an NBA player, and his defense is expected to be Day 1-ready.”
The Spurs need a rebounder and connector who can play in the paint while Victor Wembanyama roams. Carter Bryant showed flashes, but he’s more of a true wing than a power forward. Johnson, meanwhile, has the size and frame to play down low when needed.
Of course, Johnson has some limitations. He’s not the best ball handler and will be turnover-prone in the NBA, at least to start. His creation is questionable, especially off the dribble, and on offense would only thrive in set plays.
However, as far as rebounders and weakside shot-blockers go, he’s one of the best on the board. If he falls or if the Spurs can get him for a reasonable price, he’d be a solid fit. He is one of the better defenders in the draft, fitting into the Spurs’ identity behind Wembanyama.
Is he a sure thing like Lendeborg? Nope, but he has the added benefit of being three years younger, with a lower floor but higher ceiling.
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