The Washington Wizards have spent the last few weeks in speculation. Multiple candidates were rumored to have a chance to go to Washington with their lottery pick. At sixth overall, the Wizards drafted Tre Johnson, a guard from the University of Texas. Finally, the Wizards have drafted who they hope will become a franchise feature for the long term.
Wizards Draft Longhorn Star with Sixth Pick
With Johnson being selected, Washington gains an offensive-minded guard. Johnson has an elite shooting ability and the potential to grow as a player-maker and build better defensive habits. The Wizards were hoping to draft a stable long-term guard, and Johnson should fill that role.
Johnson’s Offense
Johnson is arguably the most NBA-ready scorer in the draft. He averaged an SEC high of 19.9 points a game last season. Along with this, he shot 42.7% from the field and 39.7% from three. Johnson has been criticized for his shot selection; however, the Longhorns lacked real weapons around him and suffered as a result. Johnson was the only player on the squad to average over 13 points per game this season for Texas.
His playmaking ability will grow, and his shot selection will get better as the Wizards’ offensive game develops. Johnson only averaged 2.7 assists per game in college. With the recent trade of Jordan Poole, Johnson will certainly have his fair share of shots while also developing his passing ability. He will need to do both effectively in order for the Wizards to compete.
Johnson’s Defense
Defensively, Johnson will have veteran guards of Marcus Smart, barring his trade, and newly acquired CJ McCollum to help teach him the right mentality. Johnson averaged just below a steal a game, and was bashed for being a liability on that end of the floor. If the two older guards can teach him anything, it’ll be about staying engaged and energized on that side of the floor.
With the right coaching and training, defense can be taught to anyone. However, Johnson will need to become a more prominent defender for Washington. While he doesn’t need to be an excellent defender, he’ll need to at least be able to stay in front of a weaker offensive guard. If he can’t do that, the Wizards will need to make a serious adjustment, which could lead to him losing minutes against better offensive backcourts.
Johnson should grow into the lead guard for the Wizards. However, if not, Washington may wish they didn’t pass up on Jeremiah Fears, who was picked seventh by the Pelicans. Fears was rumored to be the next prospect Washington was looking to draft if Ace Bailey wasn’t available. Johnson is a more NBA ready scorer, but Fears was a more complete player, offering scoring and a league-ready playmaking ability.
The Last Word
The Wizards drafted Johnson based on his potential. His scoring is already built for the NBA. However, his playmaking and defense will need to improve heading into his first season. He’ll certainly have a future in Washington, and fans should be excited. Washington now has a true scorer to pair alongside the developing offensive games of Alex Sarr, Bilal Coulibaly, Kyshawn George and Bub Carrington. With a few more pieces, Washington will be ready to compete in the near future.
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