Morez Johnson Jr. just proved why he's the perfect Mavericks co-star for Cooper Flagg

After just one Summer League game, it looks like Morez Johnson Jr. will be the perfect co-star for Cooper Flagg on the Dallas Mavericks. Many fans expected Johnson Jr.'s adjustment to the NBA to be slow, but he kicked off the summer with a bang.

In his first Summer League game against the Golden State Warriors on Thursday night, Johnson Jr. erupted for 27 points, eight rebounds, three assists, three steals, and two blocks. He even scored more than Michigan teammate Yaxel Lendeborg.

Morez Johnson Jr. is exactly who the Mavericks needed

Any doubt about Johnson Jr. being the right pick at No. 9 was immediately erased, and he looks like he'll be a star in his role in Dallas. That's the exact type of player they needed alongside Flagg, as the 19-year-old phenom is obviously going to be their No. 1 option as long as he's playing for the Mavericks.

They just needed someone who complements his game, shares his relentless drive for winning, and plays both ends. Johnson Jr. checked all of these boxes in his first Summer League appearance. The Mavericks didn't walk away with a win, but he displayed winning traits.

Johnson Jr. doesn't demand touches, attacks the glass, and is a brick wall on defense, and he will make Flagg's life easier. His finishing inside will give Flagg an elite dump-off option, his versatility will allow him and Flagg to switch effortlessly on defense, and he matches Flagg's motor.

Players with Johnson Jr.'s skill set are the easiest players to build around, and Mavericks fans are going to really enjoy watching him play with Flagg later this year.

His off-ball defense was one of the many positives from his Summer League debut, and this was one of Flagg's many specialties as a rookie. The two players will wreak havoc together on the defensive end when sharing the floor, forming a strong backbone as the Mavs begin this new era.

The 6-foot-9 forward was finishing everything inside, giving his all on the defensive end, crashing the glass with intensity and effort, and making winning plays. The former Michigan Wolverine won the National Championship under Dusty May last season, proving to be one of the most impactful players on the team due to the versatility he provides, and the Mavericks will be hoping he can do the same thing in Dallas.

Why Johnson Jr. will be a great fit with Flagg

While Johnson Jr.'s stat line against the Warriors was impressive, the things he did that don't come up on the stat sheet were just as impressive. He was constantly communicating on defense, moving on offense, and letting the game come to him. Rez wasn't forcing shots, which is always a good sign in Summer League, and he wants to do whatever it takes to help his team win.

He doesn't care whether he has 30 points or seven points. Johnson Jr. just wants his team to walk away with a victory.

Flagg shares the same mindset, as Dallas' constant losing last season took a toll on him. He wanted to win badly, but the Mavericks lost 56 games during his rookie year. This was the most Flagg had ever lost in his life, and him and Johnson Jr. together will have the chance to help the Mavericks have a bounce-back season.

Kyrie Irving will obviously be a big help as well, and he's the clear option to be Flagg's co-star next season, but Johnson Jr. will be that guy in the future. He's only 20 years old, meaning he's on the same timeline as Flagg, and Johnson Jr. proved that he will fit like a glove next to Flagg within Dallas' young core for years to come.

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