Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Tre Johnson reveals the only thing Washington Wizards ‘really care about,’ he’s not known for it

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Jonah Kubicek | Last updated Jul 14, 2025 1:30 PM ET

Tre Johnson was drafted sixth overall by the Washington Wizards to be a high-level scorer, although in the Summer League, he is being tasked with playing defense with the best of them.

The Washington Wizards finished last season with the second-worst record in the NBA, hoping to win the NBA Draft lottery and select Duke standout Cooper Flagg.

Instead, they fell all the way to sixth, but managed to get a good consolation prize in Tre Johnson, who is one of the very best scorers in the draft class.

During his lone season with the Texas Longhorns, Johnson averaged 19.9 points on 39.7% shooting from deep. He joins an excellent young core with Alexandre Sarr, Bilal Coulibaly, Bub Carrington, and Kyshawn George, although the Wizards still have a long way to go before they can compete in the Eastern Conference.

Before he makes his regular-season debut, Johnson has already dazzled in the Summer League.

Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Tre Johnson needs to focus on key area

Through two Summer League games, Johnson is averaging a stellar 19.5 points on 45.3% shooting from deep. It seems that his scoring will translate to the NBA right away, and he could be an effective replacement for Jordan Poole right away.

However, with Sarr and Coulibaly leading the way, the Wizards are looking to build defensive acumen. Johnson is a capable defender, although he lacks discipline. Washington’s main focus is rectifying that early in his career.

“None of the coaches in the front office care if I score,” Johnson told reporters at the Summer League.

“They just care if I play defense. That’s all they talk to me about. That’s all they really care about.”

Through two games, Johnson has racked up only two steals, and his opponents have shot fairly well against him. Fellow rookie Nolan Traore struggled to make shots, although Egor Demin, Tyson Etienne, and Koby Brea did not have a rough go of things against Johnson.

In order to be a more complete player, Johnson understands that he needs to put in the work.

“I’ve just got to come out and make sure I’m putting my hat on my defense,” he continued. “That’s the main part I’m worried about.”

Wizards don’t need to worry about scoring

Johnson was an elite scorer in college, and he has already emerged as an elite scorer in the summer.

The jump from the NCAA to the Summer League is massive, although the jump from the summer to the regular season is even bigger. Johnson and the Wizards are aware that there will be some growing pains on both sides of the ball, but both parties know it’s only a matter of time before he’s stuffing the stat sheet.

“Scoring really comes easy to me,” Johnson declared. “I’ve just got to be in the right spots and make the shots. I’ve just got to be a guard and defend.”

The Wizards have a young core in place and now just need to get reps in. With high-level defenders in Sarr and Coulibaly leading the way, the Wizards may have finally found an identity that can lead to winning basketball.

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

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