DHJ Quick Take: Morez Johnson Jr. Sets the Tone at His Mavericks Introduction
Morez Johnson Jr. met with reporters Thursday at the American Airlines Center, two days after the Dallas Mavericks made him the ninth pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. The rookie forward leaned on the toughness and motor that defined his national-championship run at Michigan.
- What did Morez Johnson Jr. emphasize at his introductory press conference? He described himself as a versatile, competitive forward who rebounds well, guards one through five, and does whatever it takes to win.
- What is his relationship with Dusty May? Johnson Jr. played for May at Michigan, won a national title under him, and praised the new Mavericks coach for his consistency and honesty.
- How could Johnson Jr. fit alongside Cooper Flagg? He compared the pairing to his switch-heavy, ball-pressuring partnership with Yaxel Lendeborg at Michigan and pointed to turnovers and deflections as the payoff.
- What’s next? Johnson Jr. is expected to make his Mavericks debut at NBA Summer League in Las Vegas next month.
DALLAS — Dallas Mavericks rookie Morez Johnson Jr. gave his introductory press conference on Thursday at the American Airlines Center.
After being selected with the ninth pick in Tuesday’s NBA Draft, Johnson Jr. touched on what he can bring to Dallas and his relationship with Dusty May, the Mavericks’ newly hired head coach.
Morez Johnson Jr. Arrives With Dusty May
Before joining the team, May led last year’s Michigan Wolverines, including Johnson Jr., to an NCAA championship. Now, May and Johnson Jr. will try and bring an NBA championship to North Texas.
“We getting a great coach here. A guy that’s gonna show up every day and be the same person every day,” Johnson Jr. said. “He’s gonna be honest with the players, push them, challenge them and put them in the best position to look great.”
What Will Morez Johnson Jr. Bring to Dallas
Johnson Jr. also spoke about his plans to bring his competitiveness and tenacity to Dallas come next season.
“I’m a competitor, a guy that wants to win, do whatever it takes to win,” Johnson Jr. said. “(I’m) very versatile on both ends of the floor, rebound very good, great teammate.”
Asked about his “junkyard dog” moniker, Johnson Jr. furthered on his playstyle.
“I’d say my motor’s unbelievable, competitive, guard one through five, physical (and) I wanna win.”
On top of those traits, he hopes to build on his game from his time at Michigan and showcase more of his skill set once he reaches the big leagues.
“I don’t think I showed everyone that I know how to put the ball on the floor,” Johnson Jr. said. “I didn’t need to at Michigan. I had a very good team and (I’d like to) just continue to expand my range.”
Johnson Jr. and His Mavericks Teammates
Several current Mavericks were in the room for the rookies’ presser, including Max Christie, AJ Johnson, and John Poulakidas. Some of the front office were also present, including Michael Finley and team president Masai Ujiri, as well as assistant coaches Jay Triano, Josh Broghammer, and Dru Anthrop.
One current player whose name was brought up more than once was Cooper Flagg, Dallas’ reigning Rookie of the Year. Given the length and defensive prowess that both Flagg and Johnson Jr. possess, reporters wondered how they would fit together once the season begins.
“I think it’s going to be very similar to how it was at Michigan, with me playing with (Yaxel Lendeborg) on perimeter,” Johnson Jr. said. “Just switching everything, pressuring the ball, forcing a lot of turnovers, and getting deflections.”
Johnson Jr. also likened the Mavericks’ frontcourt depth to that of last year’s Wolverines with Lendeborg and Aday Mara and explained how he can fit in next to them and make their jobs easier.
“Just trying to serve those guys,” Johnson Jr. said. “Not having no egos, just playing for one another, being together. I think we were so successful on the court because we had a relationship off the court. We actually liked being around each other.”
He went further, noting the connections he can make with the other young players in Dallas’ locker room.
“It’s a few young guys here. I think I’ll be able to connect with those guys,” Johnson Jr. said. “I got some great vets here. Being able to learn from them guys, being up under their wings and just soak up as much information as I possibly can from these guys. Build LEGOs sometimes with (Dereck Lively II), maybe.”
The press conference was capped off when Ujiri came to the front to deliver Johnson Jr.’s number 14 jersey that he’ll wear next year for the Mavericks. Afterward, his family joined him on the podium, reveling in an NBA dream come true.
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