Morez Johnson Jr. Fantasy Stats

Dallas Mavericks forward Morez Johnson Jr. (lower leg) is being eased through training camp because of soreness, according to Ron Harrod Jr. of DLLS Sports. Head coach Dusty May said Dallas is managing the rookie's workload and that Johnson participated in every other live session during Wednesday's practice. The No. 9 pick averaged 13.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks on 62.3 percent shooting for Michigan last season before posting 18.5 points, 2.5 steals, and 3.0 blocks across two Summer League games. With Santi Aldama (knee) and Dereck Lively II (foot) also limited, Johnson has an opportunity to push for rotation minutes once he is fully participating.

Dallas Mavericks forward Morez Johnson Jr. (undisclosed) has been limited early in training camp but is getting closer to full participation, according to Grant Afseth of the Dallas Sports Journal. Head coach Dusty May said the rookie is "working his way back" and is "close" without revealing what has been limiting him. The No. 9 overall pick averaged 18.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.5 steals, and 3.0 blocks across two Summer League games before an illness sidelined him for the final three. Dereck Lively II (foot) and Santi Aldama (knee) have also been limited in camp. May expects Johnson to work his way into the rotation, but his role in a crowded Dallas frontcourt is still taking shape.

Dallas Mavericks forward/center Morez Johnson Jr. recorded 10 points, five rebounds, four blocks, and two steals over 28 minutes in Saturday's 91-70 Summer League loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. The ninth overall pick shot 4-for-8 from the field, including 0-for-1 from three-point range, and went 1-for-2 at the free-throw line. Although his offensive output was modest, he anchored the defense with a game-high four rejections following a 27-point scoring outburst in Thursday's opener. Johnson will look to carve out a rotational role during his rookie campaign, but he faces stiff competition for frontcourt minutes from Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford.

Dallas Mavericks forward/center Morez Johnson Jr. recorded 27 points, eight rebounds, three assists, three steals, and two blocks across 26 minutes in Thursday's 101-90 Summer League loss to the Golden State Warriors. The ninth pick went 12-for-17 from the field, providing excellent multi-category production in his Las Vegas debut. Johnson averaged 13.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.1 blocks, and 0.7 steals at Michigan last season, demonstrating that his defensive instincts translate cleanly to the professional level. Although his outside jumper still needs development, his high motor gives him a useful lane to category value. With that in mind, he faces a crowded veteran depth chart featuring P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford. Fantasy managers should treat him as a watch-list option until consistent rotation minutes emerge under new head coach Dusty May.