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Wizards Promote Second-Round Rookie To 15-Man Roster

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Quenton S Albertie | Last updated Feb 26, 2026 12:18 PM ET

On Thursday morning, the Washington Wizards rewarded rookie Jamir Watkins with a new two-year contract, per ESPN senior insider Shams Charania. Selected in the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft out of Florida State, Watkins originally signed a two-way contract with the Wizards in early July. He’s received steady minutes for the now rapidly rebuilding franchise since December, averaging 21.0 minutes per contest (25 games).

Wizards Sign Rookie Jamir Watkins To Two-Year Contract

Watkins’ promotion coincides with his play in February. The 24-year-old has posted 13.2 points and 1.0 steal per game over his last six contests, tallying double-figures in each. In that stretch, he’s made 47.8% of his field goal attempts.

The Washington Wizards are signing two-way guard Jamir Watkins to a new two-year contract, agents Drew Morrison and Sam Rose of CAA Sports tell ESPN. Watkins has averaged 13.2 points and one steal in his last six games.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 26, 2026

Though some scouts attempted to portray him as a 3-and-D wing, it’s long been evident that isn’t his archetype.

In college, Watkins shot 32.5% from 3. As a rookie, he’s converted 26.6% of his 3-pointers. In the NBA G League, he’s shooting 26.3% from 3. Even during his recent surge with the Wizards, he’s only made 30.3% of his 3s. Nevertheless, the 6-foot-6 wing’s defensive acumen is so far ahead of the curve that D.C.’s largely willing to ignore his wonky 3-ball. In that sense, he’s not too different from Bilal Coulibaly, whom the Wizards drafted seventh overall in the 2023 NBA Draft.

To that point, Coulibaly has averaged 10.3 points per game throughout his career. As an exceptional on-ball defender, his double-digit scoring average is basically icing on the cake. However, his touch leaves a lot to be desired, as he’s shooting 42.2% from the field and 30.3% from 3.

Compared to his 21-year-old French counterpart, Watkins isn’t necessarily the more refined scorer. He gets a lot of his points by cutting and hustling. Yet, he is further along in his physical development, as he’s three years older and has about 15 more pounds of muscle.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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