It only took Morez Johnson Jr. one game to prove Mavericks doubters wrong

The Dallas Mavericks got their first look at their new players on Thursday, as the team's Summer League squad had their first game against the Golden State Warriors. The game was the perfect opportunity for coaches and scouts to examine future Mavericks and how they could solve some of Dallas' glaring weaknesses moving forward. One player fans zeroed in on was Morez Johnson Jr.

He was selected with the No. 9 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, but many Mavs fans questioned the team's decision to draft him. The fanbase expected Dallas would draft someone like Brayden Burries to help solve their shooting woes from last season, and fans believed that taking Johnson Jr. at nine was a major reach.

Johnson Jr., though, made them eat their words, as it took him one game to prove that group of Mavericks fans wrong.

Morez Johnson Jr. already looks like a two-way beast

The Dallas Mavericks got their first glimpse of their newest rookie, Morez Johnson Jr., on Thursday. The 6-foot-9 forward proved he was worth the selection, as he easily let his game do all the talking. He was a walking highlight reel in his first Summer League action, finishing with 27 points, eight rebounds, and three assists. It was a testament to why Dallas made the right selection.

One thing that stood out was his ability to play well on both sides of the ball. The Dallas rookie showcased his high motor and extreme athleticism. He was a pest at the rim, challenging every shot, and being proactive all over the court. On the defensive side, Johnson Jr. racked up the stats. He had three steals, two blocks, and seven defensive rebounds. Again proving his high motor and work ethic.

Offensively, he torched the Golden State Warriors inside. Johnson Jr. wasn't afraid to use his quickness to attack the rim and make defenses pay for their inability to lock down the paint. The former Michigan star set good screens as well.

His two-way game is something fans will be excited to see during the regular season. It's not hard to see Kyrie Irving throwing lobs to Johnson Jr., or Cooper Flagg helping him create a powerful defensive tandem. The possibilities will be endless with Johnson Jr., as the newest rookie is out to prove the select group of Mavs fans who doubted him wrong.

Dallas struck gold with Johnson Jr.

Dallas headed into the 2026 NBA Draft with tons of questions, as the team needed to address key issues such as shooting and guard depth. That's why fans were confused when the Mavs drafted Morez Johnson Jr with the ninth pick. It was expected the team would address one of their immediate needs. The newest rookie, though, shut down critics with his first Summer League game.

He was the team's leading scorer against the Warriors. Johnson Jr. racked up a stat line of 27 points and shot 70.5 percent from the field. It was a sight to see, as the organization found a future two-way star to pair with Cooper Flagg.

His 3-point shooting, though, still needs development. He made one of his four 3-point attempts and must continue to improve his outside shot. Yet, given time, Johnson Jr. can still develop his long-range shot, as he did with Michigan.

His offensive skills can't be overlooked, even with his 3-point struggles. He is a competitor with a passion for helping the team in all facets of the game. Johnson Jr. will do whatever he can to help win games.

It's why Mavericks fans are now eating their words, even though they regretted drafting him at first. It's hard to find players who can compete on both sides of the ball and play with high passion, and this makes him a perfect fit on and off the court.

Morez Johnson Jr. is a hidden gem whom the Dallas Mavericks struck gold with.

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