Mavericks' gamble on Morez Johnson Jr. is starting to pay off

Morez Johnson Jr.'s start to the 2026-27 season for the Dallas Mavericks has not been as flashy as many fans hoped, considering he was a top-10 pick in this summer's draft. Johnson is averaging 7.3 points and 3.1 rebounds per game while shooting 60 percent from the field. Looking at the stats alone, it could be assumed the Mavs' gamble to select him with the ninth overall pick, despite most mock drafts having him outside of the top 10, might not look like the right decision.

But if you look closer, Johnson is starting to prove why he's going to be an excellent long-term piece for the Mavericks. His skill set fits well alongside Cooper Flagg due to his defensive versatility and physicality, and his game against the Sacramento Kings on Monday night was the perfect example of how impactful he can be.

Morez Johnson Jr. had the best game of his career against the Kings

Johnson finished with a career-high 13 points, two rebounds, and one steal in just 17 minutes, and his impact was certainly felt. There was a stretch in the second quarter in which Johnson finished a left-handed bucket inside and then grabbed an offensive rebound and fired a precise pass to P.J. Washington on the perimeter for an open three. He then finished a putback inside and drew a foul on the next possession. This was a glimpse into how effective he can be when he's on the court.

Both of his rebounds were on the offensive end, and the physicality with which he plays when crashing the glass is evident. He is great at boxing out and prioritizes rebounding on both ends of the floor.

Why Mavericks fans should believe in Johnson

These types of games illustrate why Mavs fans should believe in him, as he makes winning plays, puts the team before himself, and can anchor the paint on both ends of the floor. He is accepting of a complementary role, which is crucial for someone who is joining a young core highlighted by Flagg, and his connectivity, finishing, and defense should make him a strong fit alongside the former Duke Blue Devil for years to come.

The Mavs didn't need another star player to play with Flagg. They just needed someone who plays their role, prioritizes winning, and plays hard-nosed defense.

Johnson embodies all of the things that are important to Flagg and Dusty May, and he is improving every game. The constant fouling that hindered his performance at the beginning of the season has started to slow down, and he's starting to look more comfortable with the ball in his hands and is limiting turnovers more.

He didn't turn the ball over at all against the Kings, and the signs of why Dallas drafted him are starting to reveal themselves. Johnson may not be a 20-point-per-game scorer to begin his career, but the Mavericks' decision to select him is paying off little by little.

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