What does Tre Johnson contribute to a professional team, despite being a standout for Texas basketball?
With an average of 19.9 points, 2.8 assists, and 3.3 rebounds per game, Johnson, who was chosen sixth overall by the Washington Wizards in the 2025 NBA Draft, guided the Longhorns to the NCAA Tournament First Four. Former head coach Rodney Terry often relied on him, and his goals frequently made the difference between Texas’s victories and defeats.
Johnson’s ability to score goals is the most valuable contribution he makes to Washington. Johnson consistently threatens transitions and is a true bucket-getter in the half-court. He made 40% of his seven three-point tries per game, making him a historically good volume shooter. In addition to being a superb dribbler, Johnson was an even better movement shooter off the ball.
He will immediately be valuable to Washington as a result of all of this.
Although Johnson’s playmaking showed promise, it still requires improvement. He has a certain score-first mentality that is unlikely to alter, even though he can hit the open guy and collapse the defense on drives. He is unlikely to become a genuine lead guard, but he might become a more willing passer. Because he can only play as a two-guard, this restricts his ability to play for the Wizards.
Among first-round picks, Johnson had the third-worst defensive rating (109.9) while playing for Texas. His wingspan is 6 feet 10 inches, so he has upside on that end. His quickness and length occasionally resulted in advantageous defensive plays. However, Johnson frequently lacks the mental focus and spatial awareness necessary to be a plus defender. Early in his NBA career, he will probably be singled out on defense.
Johnson should be a strong contender for the sixth-man position, but he is unlikely to unseat veteran off-guard CJ McCollum and incumbent point guard Bub Carrington, whom the Wizards traded for this offseason. He fits the traditional description of a spark plug shooting guard who can check into any game and score a lot of points but contributes little else. His mix of strong, if not basic, playmaking, three-point shooting, and mediocre defense makes him a perfect fit.
McCollum is a veteran who already satisfies that requirement for the Wizards. This implies that Johnson has a fantastic mentor even though his contribution to the Wizards this season is somewhat limited. Johnson ought to replace McCollum next season because he is 34 years old and has a deal that is about to expire.
All things considered, Johnson is giving the Wizards a quick scorer off the bench who has the potential to develop into a top-tier scoring guard in the future.
