In the competitive world of the NBA draft, it's clear that becoming a top pick involves more than just size, talent, and hard work. Recent statements from players like Ja Morant and Washington Wizards first-round pick Tre Johnson highlight an intriguing aspect of their success: having a critical parent. In 2019, Morant credited his father, Tee, as his “first hater,” and this sentiment was echoed by Johnson during a press conference following his selection.
On Wednesday night, Tre Johnson was chosen as the sixth pick in the 2025 NBA draft by the Washington Wizards. The 19-year-old former Texas guard humorously referred to his father, Richard Johnson II, as his first critic. "I feel like I have surpassed my father being my worst critic," Johnson remarked. "But before it was me, it was most definitely him for sure." This relationship has played a significant role in shaping his basketball career and personal growth.
Johnson reflected on how his father's voice continues to resonate with him, particularly during solitary training sessions. "He’s been holding me accountable," he said. "As I’ve gotten older, it has most definitely been myself." This self-awareness and dedication to improvement are qualities that many budding athletes struggle to cultivate, yet Johnson seems to embrace them wholeheartedly.
During his time at Texas, Tre Johnson showcased his remarkable scoring ability, which propelled him into the NBA lottery picks. Standing at 6-foot-6 with a 6-10 wingspan, he is a versatile shooter and scorer. Last season, he recorded the fourth-best 3-point shooting percentage in the SEC at 39.7%, making an impressive 89 three-pointers over 33 games. Johnson also led the SEC in scoring as a freshman, averaging 19.9 points per game with a shooting accuracy of 42.7%.
His standout performances included breaking Kevin Durant's Texas freshman single-game scoring record with an impressive 39 points against Arkansas. Johnson's ability to shoot efficiently from beyond the arc has drawn attention, with Wizards general manager Will Dawkins stating, "If he’s not the best shooter, he’s one of the best shooters in the draft." Yet, Johnson's skills extend beyond shooting; he is adept at finding open teammates and is comfortable navigating screens.
Despite his offensive prowess, Johnson has faced criticism regarding his defensive intensity. The SEC Freshman of the Year acknowledged this aspect during the draft process, revealing that he reviewed film with Dawkins to improve his defensive game. “He showed me clips where I used to take plays off, and most definitely that’s not the player I want to be, especially in the NBA,” Johnson stated, demonstrating his commitment to evolving as a player.
As Tre Johnson embarks on his professional journey, he joins a Washington Wizards team that is currently in transition. Since the 2017-18 season, the Wizards have struggled, posting the second-worst record in the NBA. With a shooting percentage of only 33.5% from three-point range last season, the team is looking for new talent to revitalize their performance.
However, the future appears promising with young talents like Alex Sarr and Bilal Coulibaly alongside veteran leaders such as Khris Middleton, Marcus Smart, and newly acquired CJ McCollum. Johnson expressed his appreciation for the team's culture during his visit, likening it to a college experience where he felt a sense of family.
Johnson is prepared to embrace the challenges that come with being part of a rebuilding team. "It is going to be a long rebuild," he acknowledged, emphasizing the importance of focusing on the present and taking it one game at a time. His focused mindset mirrors the resilience that has been instilled in him by his father.
Tre Johnson, born Richard Earl Johnson III, attributes much of his success to the work ethic and mental toughness his father instilled in him. In a touching tribute, he wore the number 20 at Texas to honor his father, who proudly wore that number during his collegiate career at Baylor and Midwestern State. After being drafted, Johnson shared a heartfelt moment with his father during an interview, stating, "It feels like we both got drafted today." This bond between father and son exemplifies the profound impact of parental support in achieving one's dreams.
