DHJ Quick Take: Morez Johnson Jr. Reflects On Mavs Academy Camps, Excitement For Rookie Season
Mavericks rookie Morez Johnson Jr. visited three Mavs Academy Hoop Camps across the Dallas-Fort Worth area Wednesday, capping the day at J.J. Pearce High School in Richardson, where he discussed his rookie transition and excitement to play alongside Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving.
- Who is the Mavericks rookie? Morez Johnson Jr., the No. 9 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, made stops at three camps across the metroplex Wednesday.
- What did he say? Johnson Jr. discussed his Chicago roots, his reunion with coach Dusty May and his anticipation to share the floor with Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving.
- Why does it matter? His comments give an early look at how the rookie is settling in with the Mavericks ahead of Summer League.
- What’s next? Johnson Jr. is set to make his Mavericks debut July 9 in Las Vegas against the Golden State Warriors.
RICHARDSON — Dallas Mavericks rookie Morez Johnson Jr. had a busy Wednesday, stopping at three Mavs Academy Hoop Camps across the metroplex. He finished the day at J.J. Pearce High School in Richardson, where he took some time to speak to reporters about his experience at camp.
“It was fun. I’m glad I was able to spend some time with the kids,” Johnson said. “I know they’re gonna remember this for the rest of their lives and I wish somebody did it with me when I was younger. So, I just wanna always give back to my community.”
An Illinois native, Johnson touched on some players whom he would’ve liked to meet in his early days.
“I’m from Chicago, so it probably would’ve been D-Rose (Derrick Rose), like Jimmy Butler, Carlos Boozer, Joakim Noah. One of those guys,” Johnson said.
Morez Johnson Jr. And Dusty May
Eight days removed from being drafted with the ninth overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, Johnson has been settling in with the Mavericks with NBA Summer League on the horizon.
“It’s been great,” Johnson said. “It’s a dream come true. (I’m) spending time with my teammates, bonding with the guys already. Just being able to be on the court with (Dusty May) again and some new coaches.”
May coached Johnson on last year’s national champion Michigan Wolverines, so the latter is thankful for their reunion in Dallas.
“I’d say that Dusty probably knows me best,” Johnson said. “I’ve been with him for a whole year (and he) recruited me earlier. Him just pushing me, knowing me and having that relationship and knowing it’s coming from a good place.”
Morez Johnson Jr. Is Excited To Take The Floor With His New Teammates
He’s also familiar with Cooper Flagg, the Mavericks’ reigning Rookie of the Year and the foundation of Dallas’ young core.
“Cooper Flagg’s great,” Johnson said. “I’ve been knowing him since I was like probably 13 or 14 from the AAU circuit, in camps and stuff like that, like Hoop Summit. I’m excited to play with him and looking forward to it.”
Johnson is particularly eager to share the floor with Kyrie Irving, breaking into a smile after being asked about playing together.
“Kyrie’s one of those guys that I looked up to when I was younger,” Johnson said. “I’m excited to be on the same floor as him, learn from him (and) pick his brain.”
His Maverick debut is set to come on July 9th in Las Vegas, where Dallas will kick off Summer League action against the Golden State Warriors. That said, the reality of the NBA is just dawning on Johnson Jr.
“It’s still crazy,” Johnson said. “It’s still shocking to me. The moment I’ve been waiting for my whole life is finally here and I’m excited (and) extremely blessed.”
More Mavericks Coverage on Dallas Hoops Journal
- Dallas Mavericks Sign Rookie Tobi Lawal To Two-Way Contract
- Sergio De Larrea Signs Rookie Contract, Won’t Be Draft-And-Stash For Dallas Mavericks
- Dallas Mavericks Make LeBron James’ Free Agency Board, But Rich Paul’s Pitch Skips The Roster
- Sources: Dallas Mavericks Agree To Trade For Santi Aldama From Memphis Grizzlies
- Sources: Dallas Mavericks Extend Qualifying Offer To Moussa Cissé
- Dusty May Calls Dallas Mavericks Move ‘Almost Too Big Of A Dream,’ Centers Vision On Cooper Flagg
- Sources: Dallas Mavericks Exercising Ryan Nembhard’s Team Option
- Dallas Mavericks Have Discussed A Kawhi Leonard Trade With The LA Clippers
- ‘Don’t Forget Who I Am’: Dallas Mavericks Center Dereck Lively II Won’t Rush Return From Foot Surgery
- Morez Johnson Jr. Embraces ‘Junkyard Dog’ Role With Dallas Mavericks
