In Washington, D.C., the Washington Wizards entered the final full month of their season facing a narrow 123-118 loss at home against the Houston Rockets, but their efforts to secure a protected first-round draft pick remain on track. Central to the franchise’s hopeful outlook is the noticeable development in their young roster, highlighted by rookie forward Tre Johnson’s impressive growth this season.
Following the Wizards’ 134-125 defeat to the Toronto Raptors, fellow rookie Will Riley shared insights on Johnson’s progress and leadership qualities. Riley emphasized Johnson’s skill and character, noting how he positively influences teammates both on and off the court.
Will Riley Applauds Tre Johnson’s On-Court Leadership and Work Ethic
Will Riley offered an enthusiastic assessment of Tre Johnson’s contributions:
“He’s an amazing player, obviously. He’s also a really good teammate, he wants to see guys succeed. He’s always gonna encourage guys, and he’s also gonna tell you what you’re doing wrong, which I appreciate in a teammate,”
Riley said, highlighting Johnson’s blend of motivation and honesty as key traits that elevate the team.
“He’s a great kid, amazing work ethic. He’s always in the gym, always one of the last guys in there with me. Always competing…”
Riley’s comment that Johnson is often
“one of the last guys in [the gym] with me”
underscored their shared commitment to improving together, reflecting a budding camaraderie within the Wizards’ rookie class.
Statistical Improvements Reflect Johnson and Riley’s Development
The Wizards have endured another challenging season in terms of wins and losses, but Johnson’s shooting and playmaking advances stand as promising signs for the franchise’s future. Among 2025 NBA draftees, Johnson ranks third with a 37.4 percent accuracy from beyond the arc, averaging at least five attempts per game. Meanwhile, Riley made considerable progress in February, posting 14.6 points per game on 47 percent shooting overall and 37.5 percent from three-point range, along with 4.3 rebounds in just over 27 minutes on the court.
These improvements represent a steady upward trajectory, with Riley boosting his January three-point percentage from 31.8 percent to the more efficient clip achieved in February. Meanwhile, Johnson’s enhanced playmaking skills have added an important dimension to his game this season.
Draft Background and Team-Building Strategies Behind the Rookies
Tre Johnson joined the Wizards as the No. 6 overall pick from the 2025 draft lottery, a result of last season’s strategic tanking efforts that yielded the team’s highest possible draft position following an 18-64 record. Though the Wizards missed out on several highly rated prospects, Johnson’s sharpshooting and developing playmaking make him a promising cornerstone for Washington.
Will Riley was acquired through a complex trade involving Memphis Grizzlies transferring a 2025 lottery-protected first-round pick as part of a deal to absorb Marcus Smart’s salary. The pick turned into the 18th overall selection after Memphis secured a playoff spot by winning their Play-In Tournament game against Dallas. The Wizards then traded back slightly to No. 21 on draft night, selecting Riley as a vital addition to their young core.
The team’s rebuilding blueprint includes nurturing a mix of young players like Alex Sarr, Kyshawn George, Bub Carrington, and Bilal Coulibaly, alongside the recent acquisition of stars Trae Young and Anthony Davis. Young’s much-anticipated debut with the Wizards is scheduled at home against the Utah Jazz, adding further intrigue to the team’s future prospects.
Wizards Positioned to Retain Valuable 2026 Draft Pick
With 22 games remaining in the season, Washington holds the NBA’s fourth-worst record at 16-44, which keeps them on track to retain their 2026 lottery pick. This pick sits in a strong draft class featuring standout prospects like AJ Dybantsa of BYU, Cameron Boozer from Duke, and Darryn Peterson of Kansas. To secure the pick, the Wizards must maintain a bottom-four finish in the standings, bolstering their ability to continue rebuilding effectively.
While Wizards fans have endured years of disappointment, with no winning season since 2017-18 and ongoing bottom-tier finishes under general manager Will Dawkins and president Michael Winger since 2023, the emergence of hopeful young talent like Johnson and Riley offers a glimpse of a competitive future.
Brooklyn Nets’ Danny Wolf Expresses Admiration for Riley’s Performance
During Washington’s February 7th matchup against the Brooklyn Nets, Will Riley scored a career-high 27 points in a 127-113 road loss, demonstrating his potential in an extended 45-minute showing. Despite the Wizards employing a largely backup-filled rotation in a game where losing was beneficial for their draft position, Riley’s breakout night did not go unnoticed.
Following the game, Nets rookie Danny Wolf, a former Michigan Wolverine, praised Riley’s talent in a postgame interview:
“Obviously he’s a talented player. Credit to him, he played 45 minutes tonight, which is not easy to do in the NBA… He’s got a lot of tools. When he was at Illinois they kicked our butt. He’s a good player.”
Wolf’s reference to facing Riley in college underlines the respect Riley commands; in their last collegiate clash on March 2, 2025, Riley’s Fighting Illini team defeated Wolf’s Wolverines 93-73. Riley had contributed effectively in that contest and later earned Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year honors.
Riley’s Versatility and Shooting Poise Anticipate Future Success
Riley has demonstrated notable agility as a versatile shot creator this season, improving steadily as a reliable catch-and-shoot player from long range. Standing 6-foot-9 and weighing 180 pounds, adding strength could further enhance his ability to finish inside and compete physically against larger defenders. Nonetheless, his elevated performance and ability to deliver when given increased playing time — especially evident in the game against Brooklyn and throughout February — highlight his rising value to the Wizards.
The Wizards are preparing for their upcoming game on the road against the Orlando Magic, a further opportunity for Johnson, Riley, and the team’s young core to continue their development as they aim to transform potential into tangible success.
Will Riley on Tre Johnson’s growth this season:
“He’s an amazing player, obviously. He’s also a really good teammate, he wants to see guys succeed. He’s always gonna encourage guys, and he’s also gonna tell you what you’re doing wrong, which I appreciate in a teammate. He’s a… pic.twitter.com/YKxiFLD2Yc
— Joshua Valdez (@joshvaldez100) March 1, 2026
tre johnson playmaking. pic.twitter.com/dO3qrXzjNM
— Tyler Rucker (@tyler_rucker) January 13, 2026
Washington Wizards star Trae Young will make his team debut on Thursday against the Utah Jazz at home.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 2, 2026
I asked Nets rookie Danny Wolf his thoughts on fellow rookie Will Riley, who scored a career-high 27 points today for the Wizards (thread):
“Obviously hes a talented player. Credit to him, he played 45 minutes tonight, which is not easy to do in the NBA…He’s got alot…” pic.twitter.com/f9kVJ2jwgB
— Joshua Valdez (@joshvaldez100) February 7, 2026
