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Mavericks Forward Morez Johnson Jr. Joined Limited Practice

The Dallas Mavericks first-round pick participated in limited training camp drills while managing an unspecified issue.

Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Basketball

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Dallas Mavericks rookie forward Morez Johnson Jr. participated in limited training camp drills on Tuesday as he manages recovery from calf soreness. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Dallas Mavericks forward Morez Johnson Jr. has returned to limited practice during the team's training camp. The rookie, selected 9th overall in the 2026 NBA Draft, is currently working his way back to full health following previous calf soreness.

Why it matters

Managing player health during training camp is critical for the Mavericks as they balance integrating new draft picks with the rehabilitation of established roster members. Ensuring Johnson's full recovery is essential for the team's rotation strategy heading into the season.

Morez Johnson Jr. joined training camp as the 9th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. He is currently monitored by coaching staff following his earlier experience with calf soreness during the Summer League.

The players

Morez Johnson Jr.

He is a professional basketball player selected by the Dallas Mavericks in the 2026 NBA Draft.

Dusty May

He is the head coach of the Dallas Mavericks responsible for team development and rotations.

Dereck Lively II

He is a center for the Dallas Mavericks who is recovering from foot surgery performed in December 2025.

Santi Aldama

He is a player for the Dallas Mavericks who is currently managing recovery from knee surgery performed in March 2026.

The details

Head coach Dusty May confirmed that Johnson participated in restricted practice time as he continues his recovery. He joins teammates Dereck Lively II and Santi Aldama on the team's list of players currently dealing with injuries during the September training camp sessions.

Timeline

  1. December 2025: Dereck Lively II underwent foot surgery.

  2. March 2026: Santi Aldama underwent knee surgery.

  3. 2026 NBA Draft: The Mavericks selected Morez Johnson Jr. as the 9th overall pick.

  4. September 2026: The team began training camp in Dallas.

Season Trajectory

The availability of rookie Morez Johnson Jr. alongside veteran contributors is central to the Mavericks' competitive balance in a highly physical Western Conference. The team's ability to maintain a full rotation depends heavily on the recovery timelines for Johnson, Lively, and Aldama.

Fantasy managers and fans should adjust expectations for Johnson's immediate output, as limited practice time in September often results in a restricted role during the season opener. Continued injury reports for Lively and Aldama suggest the Mavericks may rely on bench depth earlier than initially planned.

The takeaway

Rookie development often faces setbacks when medical histories like calf soreness persist into the professional training cycle. Patience remains the standard approach for teams looking to protect their long-term investment in early-round draft picks.

Further reading

For more updates on team rosters and player development, visit the Basketball section.

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Do you trust your local team's current roster to stay healthy throughout the upcoming season?