When the Wizards clashed with the Spurs in late December, Jamir Watkins took on the towering challenge of guarding Victor Wembanyama. Wemby is no stranger to tenacious defenders, but Watkins brought something fresh to the table.
This second-round rookie from the Wizards mirrored Wemby's fluid dribble, always poised to contest those sky-high jumpers. In a game where the Wizards typically allowed a flurry of points, Watkins shifted the momentum by locking down the Spurs' star player.
The Wizards have discovered a gem in Watkins. They've recognized his potential, converting his two-way contract into a two-year, fully-guaranteed deal.
Offensively, Watkins is still finding his footing. But defensively?
He’s a standout. His elite potential is a bright spot for Wizards fans.
Consider his play against Oklahoma City last weekend:
His closeout was a thing of beauty. Watkins sprinted to the perimeter, slid his feet, and shut down any advantage. Even when a beat late to a dribble hand-off, he recovered with lightning speed and disrupted the play.
Watkins is emerging as one of the NBA's top defensive playmakers. According to Databallr, he ends 4.2% of his defensive possessions with a steal, block, or drawn foul - ranking in the 97th percentile.
The Wizards trust him to guard any position. Earlier this year against Cleveland, he took on both Donovan Mitchell and Jarrett Allen.
He defends with a bounce, ready to pounce on any loose dribble. His balance of aggression and fundamental technique is impressive.
Watch him tail Jamal Murray, navigate a screen, and contest the shot at the rim:
His length and speed make him a fascinating fit against lead guards. He's at his best pressuring high up the court, turning simple plays into challenges.
And as demonstrated against the Spurs, he can handle bigger assignments. When Watkins is on the floor, the Wizards' defense improves by six points per 100 possessions.
Like most rookies, Watkins has areas for growth. He sometimes gambles, relying on his athleticism for recoveries. His off-ball awareness will sharpen with experience.
His potential as a rim protector is particularly intriguing. While he's adept at disrupting plays and forcing turnovers, he can enhance his timing on shot contests.
Watkins defends 10.3 shots at the rim per 100 possessions, leading all qualified non-bigs in the NBA. He’s the closest defender on over 20 shots per game, another elite stat. However, he's only in the 17th percentile for impacting those shots, with opponents scoring above their averages.
These stats can be misleading and partly reflect the Wizards’ overall defensive struggles. Watkins can improve by tracking players over screens, staying grounded on fakes, and contesting more effectively at the rim.
He has all the tools to elevate his game. Despite the Wizards' defensive woes, Watkins is a dynamic force who disrupts opponents and alters the game’s flow.
For a lasting NBA career, he’ll need to refine his offensive role. Encouragingly, he’s hitting 34% of his corner threes.
While his above-the-break shooting needs work, he’s shown glimpses of potential. Watkins must develop his perimeter attack to secure his spot.
With his defensive prowess, Watkins deserves patience and opportunity. Few in the NBA can match what he brings to the court.