Michigan forward Morez Johnson Jr. he can help strengthen the Warriors’ defense
The Warriors have the No. 11 pick in this month’s NBA draft.
Who they select with their highest pick from 2021 could hold the cards for not only the final years of Steph Curry’s career but also the future direction of the franchise.
This week, we’re profiling five prospects that GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. might consider. he may refer them.
Concluding Part 5:
Morez Johnson Jr.
Age: 20
Position: Forward
Height/weight: 6-foot-9 / 250 pounds
School: In Michigan
Why does he fit
The Warriors were so short on frontcourt depth at the end of last season that they signed a center from their G League team who finished the regular season playing real NBA minutes.
Charles Bassey and three other Golden State young men — Al Horford, Kristaps Porzingis and Quinten Post — all have uncertain futures. Even if a combination of them returns, a player with an improved physicality like Johnson’s will find a way to contribute.
Johnson teamed with Yaxel Lendeborg, another potential Warriors target, and 7-3 center Aday Mara, who could also enter the lottery, to form one of the most formidable frontcourts in the country while leading Michigan to a national championship.
Johnson’s flexibility and toughness on defense might remind you of another player from around those parts. He also has the same kind of height that helped Draymond Green — Michigan State’s man — become an elite defender, with a 7-3 ½ wingspan.
Why will he stay until Number 11
Johnson is a great, underrated player.
He has no 3-pointers and has yet to attempt one. He has the body to get to the rim and finish with contact but isn’t considered to have a lot of movement in his bag.
That said, Johnson knows his skill set and doesn’t waste a shot, setting the Illinois record for field goal percentage as a freshman and shooting 62.7% especially from around Michigan, where he averaged 13.1 points and 7.3 rebounds while starting all 40 games.
That doesn’t mean he’s always a smart decision-maker on offense: He’s committed more turnovers (53) than assists (48). Foul trouble has also been an issue, although his 3.7 per 40 minutes with Michigan was better than his 5.6 per 40 as a freshman.
Just as he makes up for his lack of height with brute force, Johnson’s defensive prowess helps cover up his offensive mistakes, though he’ll need to work on avoiding the whistle.
NBA Company: Isaiah Stewart
Johnson’s physical strength means he won’t be overwhelmed by the NBA. He’s no better than another lottery talent but could be an immediate asset to the Warriors’ defensive scheme.
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