TyTy Washington Jr. Finding His Groove in San Diego After a Rocky NBA Start
TyTy Washington Jr.'s NBA journey hasn’t exactly followed the script many envisioned on draft night back in 2022. Though technically not selected by the Houston Rockets, he became part of their draft haul after the team traded down to acquire him-giving up two second-round picks in the process. It was a move that raised some eyebrows then and has been quietly scrutinized since, as Washington struggled to find his footing in Houston.
In his lone season with the Rockets, Washington never quite gained traction. He appeared in just 31 games and posted modest numbers: 4.7 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game.
His shooting touch, especially from deep, abandoned him-he connected on just 23.8% of his attempts from beyond the arc. For a player touted out of Kentucky as a skilled pick-and-roll operator and a reliable shooter, it was a tough rookie campaign that didn’t match the expectations.
But fast forward to this season, and Washington is starting to show signs of the player scouts once saw in him. Now with the San Diego Clippers-the G League affiliate of the Los Angeles Clippers-he’s putting up strong numbers and, more importantly, showing real growth.
Through his first 11 games, Washington is averaging 18.9 points, five rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game while knocking down a scorching 44.3% of his threes. That’s not just a hot streak-it’s a signal that he’s finding rhythm and confidence in his game.
What stands out even more is how he’s managing the offense. His 2.75 assist-to-turnover ratio is a significant step forward, especially for a young guard still learning to read NBA-level defenses.
It speaks to improved decision-making and a better understanding of when to attack, when to dish, and when to pull back. For a player trying to carve out a role as a lead guard or backup floor general, that kind of growth matters.
Washington’s route to this point hasn’t been linear. After being dealt to the Atlanta Hawks in the complex trade that ultimately brought Dillon Brooks to Houston, he bounced around the league on two-way contracts. He was waived by the Los Angeles Clippers just before this season began, only to land in San Diego and make the most of his opportunity.
With the Clippers' NBA roster facing some unexpected backcourt shortages-thanks to injuries and roster shakeups-there’s a real possibility that Washington could earn a two-way deal and get another shot at NBA minutes. And if he keeps producing at this level, that call-up might not be far off.
As for the Rockets, there’s no real sense of regret here. That same 2022 draft yielded both Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason-two players who’ve become foundational pieces in Houston’s ongoing rebuild. The pick they gave up in the Washington trade was used by Minnesota to draft Wendell Moore Jr., who’s also struggled to find a consistent role in the league.
Still, it’s hard not to root for a player like Washington. The Rockets once saw something in him, and while it didn’t pan out in Houston, it’s encouraging to see him finding success elsewhere.
The NBA journey is rarely a straight line, especially for young guards. But if Washington continues trending upward, his story might just be getting started.