Updated

Updated · Yahoo Sports · Jul 14

Morez Johnson Jr. Erupts for 27 Points in Summer League Debut as Mavericks Eye Immediate Role

Updated

Updated · Yahoo Sports · Jul 14

Morez Johnson Jr. Erupts for 27 Points in Summer League Debut as Mavericks Eye Immediate Role

Q: With LeBron's decision looming, which overlooked team could surprisingly emerge as a winner?

The Minnesota Timberwolves look like the most plausible overlooked winner if LeBron James’ decision finally breaks the league’s holding pattern. They are not the headline favorite in the way Golden State, Cleveland or Philadelphia have been discussed, but the basketball case is strong. The searched reporting says Minnesota can make a serious pitch, especially after frontcourt departures left a clear opening. James would fit alongside Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball, while Rudy Gobert’s rim protection could ease LeBron’s defensive burden. That gives Minnesota a credible win-now structure rather than a speculative one. There is also a personal and competitive angle. James has publicly praised Edwards, and their Olympic connection adds some logic to the pairing. For a player reportedly prioritizing happiness and meaningful contention over money, Minnesota offers a cleaner championship argument than many secondary suitors. Just as important, the broader market is frozen around James. Teams are holding roster spots, free agents are waiting, and trade talks remain delayed. In that environment, an under-the-radar team that can present immediate role clarity and a realistic path to a title has an opening to jump the field. Minnesota fits that description better than most. If James goes elsewhere, the Timberwolves still stand out as the overlooked team most capable of turning this stalled offseason into a major win if they can capitalize quickly once the market moves.

2 articles · Updated · Yahoo Sports · Jul 14

Johnson opened his Las Vegas Summer League with 27 points on 12-of-17 shooting, plus 8 rebounds, 3 steals and 3 blocks, emerging as one of the weekend's standout rookies.
Dallas' 20-year-old big man impressed with rim running, physical defense and a nonstop motor—traits the report says should translate beyond July exhibition play despite some raw shot selection.
A path to early minutes may already be forming, with Dereck Lively still sidelined by foot issues without a return timetable and Daniel Gafford's future with the club described as uncertain.
The broader Summer League weekend also highlighted strong guard play from Kingston Flemings and Darius Acuff Jr., while league attention remained stuck on LeBron James' unresolved next-team decision.