The Washington Wizards may be sitting near the bottom of the standings, but don’t let the record fool you - there’s a method to the madness. Saturday’s 119-115 loss to the Charlotte Hornets was another example of the team threading the needle between developing young talent and protecting a top-eight draft pick. And leading that charge was 19-year-old rookie Tre Johnson, who turned in his most complete performance yet.
Johnson dropped a career-high 26 points on 8-of-22 shooting, including six made threes on 15 attempts, while also dishing out six assists in 37 minutes. It was the kind of game that makes you pause and think: this kid’s figuring it out.
What makes Johnson’s development even more intriguing is the presence of Trae Young - not on the court, but on the bench. Since being acquired by Washington earlier this month, Young has yet to suit up due to knee and quadriceps injuries. But that hasn’t stopped the four-time All-Star from making an impact.
Johnson described Young as a “coach on the side,” praising his vision and ability to break down the game in real time. “Just giving bits and pieces to guys as you’re coming out or during timeouts,” Johnson said.
“Most of the stuff he’s talking about, the next play it’ll be open or kind of happen. It’s like having another coach on the side.”
I asked Tre Johnson what he’s learned from watching Trae Young over the years and from being around him since the trade (thread):
— Joshua Valdez (@joshvaldez100) January 23, 2026
“Great passer. Great IQ of the game, especially seeing it from a different lens now not being on the court, you can actually see the whole floor…” pic.twitter.com/9LIafKJFbt
That insight is already paying dividends. Johnson’s playmaking has taken a noticeable step forward.
After setting a career-high with five assists against the Clippers on Jan. 19, he topped it again in Charlotte. More telling?
He’s posted a 3.0-plus assist-to-turnover ratio in three of his last five games - a sharp uptick from his earlier pace.
Sure, some of that growth is natural as he logs more NBA minutes. But having someone like Young - who led the league in assists last season - in his ear during games? That’s the kind of mentorship you can’t teach.
Young’s elite feel for the game as a floor general has always been his calling card. While Johnson may never reach that level as a facilitator, he’s carving out a role as more than just a shooter. He’s already hitting 39.3% from beyond the arc, and now he’s showing flashes of becoming a secondary ballhandler - a valuable wrinkle for any offense.
The next step? Consistency. Johnson knows it, too.
Tre Johnson’s passing continues to stand out. 5 assists for him already, pic.twitter.com/2ixg41Zopj
— Wizards Film Room (@KevinFolliNBA) January 24, 2026
“Consistency and defense,” he said after Thursday’s loss to Denver. “Those are the two biggest things on my mind.”
It’s clear the Wizards are playing the long game, and the front office is aligned with that vision. Team president Michael Winger echoed Johnson’s praise for Young, calling him a proven playmaker who elevates those around him.
“For what we're trying to do organizationally, player development being our priority, we believe that Trae Young will contribute mightily to our player development program,” Winger said.
So far, that belief is holding up. Young hasn’t logged a minute in a Wizards uniform, yet his presence is already shaping the team’s young core - Johnson most of all.
And there’s more to it than just X’s and O’s. Winger highlighted Young’s infectious energy and love for the game, something he believes will rub off on the rest of the roster.
“Trae Young plays a joyful brand of basketball,” Winger said. “And that will be contagious among our athletes.”
Make no mistake - the Wizards are still in the midst of a rebuild. Their 10-34 record is a reflection of that.
But there’s a plan here, and it’s starting to take shape. The team has used its recent struggles to stockpile young talent - Johnson, Alex Sarr, Kyshawn George, Bilal Coulibaly, Bub Carrington - and another lottery pick is likely on the way this summer.
The idea is that by the time next season rolls around, this group - with Young leading the charge - will be ready to turn the corner.
“I’m not setting a barometer on what next season ought to be,” Winger said. “But particularly with Trae Young on the basketball team, and the development of our young players, we are going to be better next season than we are this season.”
For now, the focus is on growth - both in the standings and in the locker room. Johnson’s emergence as a more complete offensive player is a bright spot in a tough season. And when Young finally suits up, Wizards fans will get a glimpse of what this rebuild is building toward.
Next up: a home matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday night. Another chance for the “Wiz Kids” to keep growing - and maybe, just maybe, sneak out a win in the process.