Morez Johnson Jr. wasn’t in peak physical condition entering his rookie season after battling shin splints in training camp, but the former Michigan standout showed why the Mavericks drafted him No. 9 overall during an impressive two-way performance on Friday, writes Christian Clark of The Athletic (free link).
Johnson pulled down a career-high 17 rebounds, including 10 on the offensive glass, after recording six or fewer boards in his first eight NBA appearances. The 20-year-old big man also had 13 points (on 5-of-8 shooting), one steal and one block and was plus-20 in 24 minutes during the Mavericks’ 12-point victory.