The Washington Wizards added a significant piece to their rebuilding puzzle by selecting Tre Johnson with the sixth overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Hailing from the University of Texas, Johnson is widely regarded as one of the draft’s premier scorers and shooters. His arrival in the nation’s capital is anticipated to provide an immediate offensive jolt, addressing key needs and complementing the team’s developing young core.
Johnson’s primary strength lies in his ability to put the ball in the basket, particularly as a shooter. His freshman season at Texas showcased this prowess, where he averaged an impressive 19.9 points per game and shot 39.7% from three-point range, earning him SEC Freshman of the Year honors. Wizards General Manager Will Dawkins has lauded Johnson as “pound-for-pound… one of the best shooters in the draft.” This skill is critical for a Wizards team that ranked second-to-last in the NBA in three-point percentage the previous season.
While capable of scoring in various ways, Johnson projects initially as a high-level off-ball threat. His ability to shoot off screens (54.8% on a small sample) and off the dribble (38.4%), combined with a high, quick release, makes him a dangerous perimeter presence. This fit is enhanced by the presence of ball-handling guards like recently acquired C.J. McCollum and 2024 pick Bub Carrington, allowing Johnson to focus on creating scoring opportunities without needing to be the primary initiator from day one.
Creating Space and Opportunity
Johnson’s scoring gravity isn’t just about his points; it fundamentally changes how opposing defenses must play the Wizards. By demanding defensive attention on the perimeter, he creates crucial floor spacing. This spacing directly benefits young big man Alex Sarr, the defensive-minded seven-footer drafted second overall in 2024.
Sarr, who is still developing physically and can sometimes struggle for positioning on the boards, will find life easier with Johnson on the floor. Johnson’s expected high volume of shots forces defenders to stick to him, potentially opening up lanes for Sarr to operate in the post without immediate double teams and freeing him up for offensive rebounds when shots miss.
Johnson’s size (6’6″ with a 6’10” wingspan) and strength also provide a “triple threat” advantage that the team sometimes lacked with smaller guards like former Wizard Jordan Poole. He can not only shoot but also effectively attack closeouts, drive to the basket, and dish to open teammates, further stretching defenses. The trade of Poole, who played the same position and took the most shots last season, potentially clears significant opportunity for Johnson.
Fitting Into the Wizards’ Young Core
At just 19 years old, Johnson is one of the youngest players on a Wizards roster committed to a significant rebuild. He joins a promising young core that includes Sarr and defensive wing Bilal Coulibaly (drafted in 2023). While the team is still finding its identity, the presence of defensive anchors like Sarr and Coulibaly, combined with the potential continued presence of veterans like Marcus Smart and Khris Middleton alongside McCollum, could provide a supportive environment for Johnson’s development, particularly on the defensive end.
Areas for Development
Like any 19-year-old entering the NBA, Johnson has clear areas for growth. While a gifted shooter, his efficiency scoring inside the arc (44.9% on 2-pointers) and relatively low free-throw rate indicate a need to improve as a driver and finisher. He has acknowledged the need to get to the line more often.
Defensively, scouting reports have noted his competitiveness but also areas where he can be more disruptive. Johnson himself is aware of this, mentioning reviewing film with GM Will Dawkins during the draft process that highlighted defensive lapses, reinforcing his desire to improve. His impressive physical tools suggest he has the potential to become a more solid defender over time. His father, Richard Johnson II, who played college basketball himself, has instilled a strong work ethic and mental toughness, serving as a constant motivator.
Looking Ahead
Despite the team’s recent struggles in a deep rebuild, the outlook for Tre Johnson in Washington appears bright. He has a clear path to earning significant playing time and potentially a starting role early in his career. Within the current roster, his high-level shotmaking positions him as a leading candidate to become a go-to scorer and potentially the player to break the Wizards’ All-Star drought. The organization’s positive impression on him, described as feeling like “a family,” suggests a good cultural fit as he navigates the challenges of rebuilding. Johnson’s arrival marks a key step in the mission to reinvigorate basketball in the nation’s capital.
References
- <a href="https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/howtrejohnsoninstantlyimprovesthewizards/s11713642382234″>www.yardbarker.com
- www.statesman.com
- andscape.com
- www.si.com
- www.news-leader.com
