DALLAS — Morez Johnson Jr. is close to returning from right shin splints, Mavericks coach Dusty May said after practice Thursday, a day before the Dallas Mavericks close the preseason against the Atlanta Hawks.
May did not say whether the rookie will play Friday.
Johnson sat out Wednesday’s 101-97 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans with the shin splints. Three days earlier, Dallas rested him in Macao, two days after he started at center in his NBA debut against the Houston Rockets.
May said Friday’s game will look much closer to a regular-season game, though a few players will probably still be out.
“We anticipate Sass will play a little bit tomorrow. I don’t think Santi will, but he’s getting much, much closer,” May said. “He’s progressing.”
Marcus Sasser has missed all three preseason games with a left adductor injury, and Santi Aldama has not played since a March 17 arthroscopic procedure on his right knee.
May said Johnson is nearing a return as well.
“Same with Morez. Morez is really close,” May explained.
Johnson was in workout gear Thursday and worked with a trainer during the portion of practice open to reporters.
Morez Johnson Jr. Started In NBA Debut In Macao
On Oct. 9, Johnson started at center in a 135-117 loss to Houston at The Venetian Arena.
He had 4 points on 1-of-3 shooting, 2 rebounds, and 1 assist in 12 minutes, with Daniel Gafford coming off the bench behind him.
May announced Johnson’s rest at the start of his pregame availability two days later, before Dallas beat Houston 132-115. Johnson has not played since the opener.
At Summer League, Johnson scored 27 points on 12-of-17 shooting with 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks in a 101-90 loss to the Golden State Warriors.
Johnson Reunited With Dusty May After Michigan Title
Dallas took Johnson ninth overall on June 23, the first draft pick under Mavericks president of basketball operations Masai Ujiri.
The Mavericks made May’s hiring official the same day, and Johnson signed his rookie contract July 2.
May coached Johnson for one season at Michigan after the forward transferred from Illinois. In 40 games, Johnson averaged 13.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.2 assists and shot 62.3% from the field. He led the Wolverines in rebounding and made the Big Ten All-Defensive Team.
Michigan went 37-3 and beat Connecticut 69-63 for the program’s second national title.
Tip-off against Atlanta is set for 7 p.m. CT Friday at American Airlines Center. Dallas opens the regular season Oct. 21 at Houston, with tip-off set for 7:30 p.m. CT.
