Johnson’s return ends with a surprise start

What changed

Morez Johnson Jr.’s uncertain camp availability became a starting assignment Friday. Dusty May opened the preseason with Johnson at center alongside Cooper Flagg, Zaccharie Risacher, Max Christie and Naji Marshall.

Johnson played 12 minutes and finished with four points, two rebounds, one assist and one steal. He also made a first-quarter three-pointer. The workload was small, but the appearance resolves the central question from early camp: he progressed far enough from lower-leg soreness to play—and to begin the game on the floor.

What it does not settle is his regular-season role. Dallas was missing several rotation players and May was testing combinations. The useful next step is seeing where Johnson’s rebounding and physicality fit when the frontcourt is closer to full strength.

Updated October 10, 2026

Updated October 10: Johnson moved from practicing toward a debut to starting at center in Dallas’ preseason opener.