At his introductory press conference, Morez Johnson Jr. said despite his prior relationship with coach Dusty May, nothing is guaranteed as he develops into his new role with the Mavericks.
Morez Johnson Jr. got some laughs around his introductory press conference in Dallas as the new Mavericks forward said he is, in fact, coach Dusty May's "favorite" after he was the first of three former Michigan Wolverines to be drafted Tuesday night.
He reunites with his college coach in Dallas, but Johnson knows that accountability will still be enforced as he enters his rookie season.
Johnson described himself as a professional, "every-day guy," who prioritizes being a great teammate and leading by example.
He finds similarities in May's approach on the sideline.
"We're getting a great coach here," Johnson said. "A guy that's gonna show up every day and be the same person every day. He's gonna be honest with the players, push them, challenge them, and put them in the best positions to look great."
On the floor, Johnson presents an immediate one-two punch on defense next to Cooper Flagg, another 6-9 forward who can switch guarding all five positions.
Johnson believes his familiarity with May's system will play into his advantage as he translates his game to the pro level under the same head coach.
"I get the advantage to know what to expect from him," the rookie said.
However, he isn't expecting any "favoritism" in regards to playing time.
"Dusty's gonna hold me accountable, hold me to a high standard and push me every day."
We know about his capabilities defensively, but Johnson's complete offensive arsenal could improve as he makes this jump to the NBA. His role never required him to shoot from the perimeter, and while that could remain the same in Dallas, offensive versatility is a trait that president Masai Ujiri targets in draft prospects.
"I don't think I showed everyone I know how to put the ball on the floor. I didn't need to at Michigan, I had a very good team." said Johnson, who averaged 13.1 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game on 62 percent shooting and helped the Wolverines to a national championship.
Johnson explained how his most comfortable spot on the floor is the power forward position, which complements Flagg's greater offensive abilities on the wing as a small forward or jumbo guard.
As he gets acclimated into this role, Johnson said he is focused generally on "expanding my range."
He also referenced one of May's philosophy about his development. It's a mantra Johnson said he hopes to bring to his work on the Mavericks.
"When I first got to Michigan, me and Dusty were talking about less is more. I'd say that was the biggest thing I learned while I was there," Johnson said.
"I'd say I'm a competitor, guy that wants to win, guy that does whatever it takes to win, and very versatile on both ends of the floor."
Johnson left the press conference with a description of his self-declared alter ego of a "junkyard dog."
"My motor is unbelievable, competitive, guard one through five, physical, want to win."
