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Tre Johnson puts up more evidence he could be a future All-Star in Wizards loss to Hornets
Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images

Washington Wizards rookie Tre Johnson continues to impress.

The Washington Wizards missed a rare chance to move above .500 for the first time since 2022, with a loss to the Charlotte Hornets, who now have their own rare winning record at 2-1.

But this season was never supposed to be about wins and losses for the Wizards, who are playing the long game of trying to accumulate talent, and develop it.

In the 2025 NBA Draft the Wizards were disappointed to only land the number six pick in the Lottery.

They ended up selecting Tre Johnson, who looks like he could be a very big part of their future.

Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images

Tre Johnson impresses for the Wizards

At the moment Tre Johnson is coming off the bench for the Wizards, although it might not be long until that changes.

Johnson is putting up starter numbers for a rookie during his early showings.

He played 29 minutes, demonstrating that he is already forcing his way into their rotation as a key player, start or not.

Johnson scored 18 points, shooting 6-14, although was erratic from outside the arc, only scoring 2-7.

He also contributed 4 rebounds and 2 assists, and 1 block.

Johnson’s scoring is improving at an incremental rate. He had 16 on his NBA debut, 17 in his second game, and 18 against the Hornets.

CJ McCollum led their scoring with 24 points, and last season’s number two overall pick Alexandre Sarr had 22.

LaMelo Ball helped the Hornets to a big win with 38 points, while rookie Kon Kneuppel also posted 20.

Early signs are good for Tre Johnson

The early signs are positive for Tre Johnson, with just one note. He was a -16 in plus/minus. That is something for the coaching staff to work on.

Overall the Wizards will be pleased with his impact. Johnson is showing the Wizards that they have brought in a player who can contribute right away.

Johnson will need an overall improvement from the Wizards to capture national attention, but based on his play, there is a real case that he can be a future All-Star if he can improve from his already very solid base.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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