The Washington Wizards have officially added a dynamic scoring punch to their backcourt, selecting Texas guard Tre Johnson with the No. 6 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. The 19-year-old freshman standout joins the Wizards as the franchise looks to build for the future following a challenging season.
Widely regarded as one of the most natural scorers in his draft class, Johnson brings a compelling blend of size, shooting prowess, and versatility to Washington.
College Impact and Key Stats
In his lone season at the University of Texas, Johnson was a central figure, leading the team in scoring and minutes played. He averaged an impressive 19.9 points per game, pacing the entire Southeastern Conference (SEC) in scoring average. He coupled this with 3.1 rebounds and 2.7 assists per contest.
Johnson showcased elite shooting efficiency, particularly from deep and at the free-throw line. He connected on 39.7 percent of his three-point attempts (89-224) and a stellar 87 percent from the charity stripe. Overall, he shot 42.7 percent from the field.
His remarkable freshman campaign earned him SEC Freshman of the Year honors, a spot on the SEC All-Freshman Team, and recognition on the All-SEC Second Team. He played a key role in the Longhorns reaching the SEC Tournament quarterfinals and securing an NCAA Tournament bid. In their First Four loss to Xavier, Johnson scored 23 points.
A career highlight came in February when Johnson erupted for 39 points against Arkansas, shattering the single-game scoring record for a Texas freshman previously held by NBA icon Kevin Durant. His 19.9 ppg average is the second-highest for a Texas player since Durant in 2006-07.
Scoring Prowess and Offensive Game
At 6-foot-6 with a reported 6’10.25” wingspan, Johnson possesses the physical tools and polished skills to translate his scoring ability to the NBA level. Analysts highlight his exceptional ability to score from all three levels – at the rim, in the mid-range, and beyond the arc – and create his own shots.
He is highly effective in catch-and-shoot situations and scoring off the dribble. His handle and ability to control his pace, seamlessly slowing down or speeding up, make him a difficult cover. While his finishing around the rim (59.8%) shows room for growth, he improved attacking the paint throughout the season and possesses a versatile finishing repertoire near the basket.
Johnson isn’t viewed as a primary playmaker, but he has developed into a solid secondary facilitator. Despite often facing double teams, he showcased accurate passing, made unselfish decisions at times, and finished second on the team in assist rate with a low turnover rate. His effectiveness in ball screens was also noted by college coaches who played against him.
Scouting Perspectives and NBA Outlook
NBA scouts and executives see significant potential in Johnson, though some offer tempered views. Many regard him as potentially the best pure shooter in the draft. His tireless work ethic, reported to be the “hardest worker” at Texas, is seen as a key factor in his potential improvement.
An Eastern Conference scout, while noting a past perception of Johnson being difficult to like or potentially selfish, acknowledged significant improvement and ultimately concluded, “he’s just fing good. He can score.” This ability to get buckets is highly valued, especially on a team needing offensive production.
Analyst Sam Vecenie is a “believer” in Johnson’s game and demeanor, citing his work ethic as a reason he expects him to continue getting better. Vecenie points to two critical factors for Johnson reaching his upside: getting stronger physically to finish through contact more effectively (something he’s not afraid of, and likely to improve at 19 with his work ethic) and landing in the right team fit.
Vecenie suggests an ideal scenario where Johnson initially focuses on being a high-level floor spacer and movement shooter who attacks off closeouts. This streamlined role could help him earn minutes early and allow his off-the-bounce game to develop as he gets stronger and can better leverage the threat of his shot.
The median outcome for Johnson, according to Vecenie, could be a larger version of Malik Beasley – a valuable high-volume 3-point shooter who consistently averages double-digit points. Vecenie argues a shooter of Johnson’s caliber is “too pronounced… to fail” significantly in today’s NBA, drawing a comparison to Cam Thomas. However, in the right situation, Johnson’s upside is seen as potentially developing into a 25-point-per-game scorer and even reaching an All-Star level.
Concerns raised by scouts include needing to improve defensively and potentially requiring the ball in his hands frequently, which could lead to teammates standing around. Fit is repeatedly emphasized as crucial to his success, with one scout comparing his situation dependence to that of Brandon Miller – success may hinge on the surrounding talent and veteran influence.
Joining the Wizards*
Johnson arrives in Washington on a team needing offensive firepower. General Manager Will Dawkins highlighted Johnson’s high upside and potential for immediate impact as key reasons for the pick. He is expected to join a revamped roster that includes guard Jordan Poole and potentially benefit from the mentorship of recently acquired veteran CJ McCollum. While he addresses scoring needs, defensive development will be essential for Johnson and the team’s overall improvement.
For Johnson, being drafted marks a significant milestone. He attended the draft with his father, Richard Johnson Jr., who played college basketball. Tre wears number 20 in his father’s honor and described the moment as one they shared together, saying, “He’s been there the whole way… It’s like we’re both getting drafted right now.”
A consensus five-star recruit ranked among the top players in his high school class, Johnson chose Texas partly to prepare for NBA cities. His selection at No. 6 makes him the highest-drafted Longhorn since Mo Bamba in 2018 and one of only a handful of Texas players drafted higher historically, including Kevin Durant and LaMarcus Aldridge. Former Texas coach Rodney Terry praised Johnson’s unique scoring ease, even comparing it to Durant’s, while emphasizing pushing Johnson to excel and holding him accountable.
Johnson himself stated after being drafted that he envisions himself as a player who can “space the floor for guys who love to create” and force defenders to stay honest. He also reflected on his dedication, saying, “I don’t really have a life outside of basketball… All your dreams is in the gym. They ain’t nowhere else.” This focus on his craft, combined with his elite scoring talent and potential for growth, makes Tre Johnson a compelling cornerstone for the Washington Wizards’ future.