Tre Johnson Is Starting to Look Like the Real Deal in D.C.
The Washington Wizards are in the thick of a rebuild, and while the roster is packed with youth and promise, one name is starting to rise above the rest: Tre Johnson.
The No. 6 overall pick came into the league with plenty of buzz after a standout freshman season at Texas. He wasn’t just a scorer-he was an electric offensive weapon who looked NBA-ready from the jump. And when he landed in Washington, a team that’s long been searching for a cornerstone, the fit raised some eyebrows-for the right reasons.
Let’s be honest: the Wizards haven’t exactly been known for their player development in recent years. But with President of Monumental Basketball Will Dawkins and GM Brian Keefe reshaping the culture, D.C. is starting to feel like a place where young talent can actually thrive.
Just look at how players like Alex Sarr and Trae Young have responded to the new direction. Johnson might be the next in line.
That said, his rookie campaign didn’t start off with fireworks. Coming off the bench, adjusting to a new system, and battling through early injuries-it was a learning curve.
Johnson had to figure out when to pick his spots, when to attack, and how to mesh with Keefe’s system. Not easy for any rookie, especially one expected to carry a heavy offensive load.
But now? He’s starting to figure it out-and it’s showing in a big way.
Over the Wizards’ recent stretch, Johnson has flipped the switch. He’s averaging 21.0 points, 3.7 assists, and 2.3 rebounds over his last three games, while shooting a blistering 44.9% from the field and 44.4% from deep. That’s not just solid rookie production-that’s the kind of efficiency that turns heads across the league.
The move to the starting lineup has clearly unlocked another level in his game. Johnson looks more comfortable, more confident, and more in control. He’s not forcing things-he’s letting the game come to him, and when it does, he’s making defenses pay.
This is the version of Tre Johnson the Wizards were hoping for when they called his name on draft night. A dynamic scorer with real star potential. A player who can grow into the face of the franchise.
And now, with the NBA Rising Stars game on the horizon, Johnson has a national stage to show the rest of the basketball world what D.C. is already starting to see: this kid might be special.
The hype is real. And if his recent play is any indication, it’s only just beginning.