Mavericks beginner big man Morez Johnson Jr had the best game of his short career with 13 points and two rebounds in 17 minutes off the bench against Sacramento on Monday, writes Grant Offset of the Dallas Sports Journal. The ninth overall pick in this year’s draft has made all five of his field goals since the start of the season, averaging just 6.3 ppg.
“Just trying to get my feet under me, practically” Johnson said. “I’ve been dealing with my shin issues, so coming back from that, I just found some rhythm from sitting.”
Johnson has been dealing with a calf injury in training camp and has had limited practice time through the first three days. He was listed as questionable with a calf problem before the Oct. 24 game, but was later upgraded to probable and was able to play.
Johnson has a unique NBA rookie experience with his college coach, Dusty Mayafter they won the NCAA title together at Michigan. He said May hasn’t changed his approach to the game in Dallas.
“The transition with him to the NBA level has been great. We’re both figuring it out together.” Johnson said. “I think we have great vets on our team that give us both grace. I can talk to all my vets about anything and they are very helpful.”
More on Mavericks:
- Max Christie misses today’s game with hip pain and tightness after injuring himself in Monday’s contest, Offset said in a separate story. Christie, who had started the Mavs’ first seven games, left midway through the second quarter and did not return.
- Saint Aldama participated in the warm-up before the game, but the decision was made to keep him out of today’s game (Link to video on Twitter from Offset). May said Aldama is “very, very close” to being available, which could mean he plays Friday against Utah, per Brad Townsend of The Dallas Morning News (Link to Twitter). Aldama was out after arthroscopic knee surgery in March.
- Tarik Biberavich also participated in warmups and appears close to making his season debut after being sidelined with right heel bursitis, according to Offset (Link to Twitter).
- ESPN’s Tim McMahon expects a “huge market.” Kyrie Irving at the trade deadline, but he’s skeptical the Mavericks will part with the veteran guard if they compete for a postseason spot (Link to YouTube from The Hoop Collective). “As much as he means to this locker room, as much as what he works with Cooper (Flagg) …just from a basketball standpoint, they’re a phenomenal fit.” McMahon said. “And I really think there’s a legitimate case to be made for playing big games in March and April to develop a superstar like Cooper.”