The Celtics have defied the odds this season and put together an above-average center rotation despite losing Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford, and Luke Kornet in the offseason. Neemias Queta has emerged as a candidate for the Most Improved Player Award, Luka Garza has proven to be a rotation player as a backup, and Nikola Vucevic has come over in a deadline deal to offer a different look as well.
While it’s worked out extremely well in the regular season, the one thing this trio cannot offer is defensive scheme versatility, as all three bigs are going to play drop coverage. Great Celtics teams of the past few years have been defined in part by their switching schemes, driven by Horford and his ability to commendably hold up guarding 1-5.
That face of the team has been lost this season, and though it hasn’t bitten them yet, it would be great to find an option in the offseason. And that’s exactly what’s suggested in the latest FanSided mock draft from Christopher Kline.
Boston is looking at a pick in the late 20s, and Kline has them taking Morez Johnson Jr. of the recently crowned Michigan Wolverines with the 27th overall pick. Brad Stevens and company have had great success finding hidden gems in the late 20s and 30s in recent years, adding rotation players in Jordan Walsh, Baylor Scheierman, and Hugo Gonzalez.
Morez Johnson Jr. could become Celtics’ answer for small-ball center
Johnson Jr. seems like a prime candidate to continue that trend, although he’s not a wing player. He’s an undersized big at 6’9”, but he makes up for it with strength and energy, traits that were on full display in the National Championship game when Morez put up 12 points, 10 rebounds, 2 blocks, and a steal in the Wolverines’ win over UConn.
He may never become a star in the NBA, but he’s a valuable player for his defense and athleticism. He’s not going to come in and be Draymond Green from day one, but he can switch onto the perimeter and guard ballhandlers, plus offer solid enough rim protection to be a legitimate weapon as a smaller five one day.
The Game Theory podcast recently compared him to Isaiah Stewart, while mentioning he would have a long way to go to reach that level, but that seems like an apt comparison for Morez if he can reach his potential.
His offensive game has a ways to go as he was barely a threat to shoot threes, but he showed nice touch on limited attempts, hit his free throws, and was able to score around the basketball. With the Celtics player development history, there’s no reason to believe they can’t get him up to speed and turn him into a legitimate weapon in the frontcourt.