Tre Johnson made his NBA debut on Wednesday, recording 16 points in a 133-120 loss against the Bucks in Milwaukee.
Tre Johnson shoots a corner jumper for the Washington Wizards in the 2025 NBA Summer League. Courtesy of Washington Wizards.
With 6:44 remaining in the first quarter, Johnson subbed into the game for the first time and got to work. His first NBA basket came when he hit a catch-and-shoot jumper from the left elbow with 3:24 left in the first.
Johnson went on to showcase his off-the-ball ability, relocating and finding openings along the three-point line. He capitalized on his opportunities behind the arc, finishing with four three-pointers on eight attempts. On his second make, Johnson caught the ball in the right corner with Bucks forward Bobby Portis closing out to contest. He used a quick head fake to get Portis to bite, giving Johnson enough time to take a side-step and drain the shot.
Tre added a pair of points from the free throw line, where he nailed both of his attempts. In addition to his scoring output, Johnson filled the box score. He finished with five rebounds (two of which were on the offensive glass), two assists, a steal and a block.
Washington will continue to monitor Johnson’s non-scoring success as he navigates his rookie season. Heading into the draft, one of the biggest knocks on his skill set was his ability to impact the game in a multitude of ways. Although it’s only a one-game sample, Johnson showed a lot of improvement in that regard – seemingly validating his high selection.
The Wizards’ number six overall pick came off the bench in favor of 13th-year veteran CJ McCollum and sophomore guard Carlton “Bub” Carrington. Carrington impressed last season as the 14th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, bringing home All-Rookie 2nd Team honors.
In 2023, Johnson guided Lake Highlands to its first state championship in 54 years when his 29-point performance was enough to take down Beaumont United 55-44.
Johnson will have a homecoming in Dallas as he and Washington return to action at 7:30 on Friday versus the Mavericks.
