Texas Longhorns guard Tre Johnson immediately established himself as one of the best scorers in college basketball during his lone season.
Now with his sights set on the 2025 NBA Draft, which teams would be best suited to maximize Johnson’s potential?
What makes Tre Johnson a Top 2025 NBA Draft Prospect?
What stands out about Johnson’s game is his talented shot-making ability, from all over the floor. He was a bona fide bucket-getter at Texas, averaging 19.9 points on 42.7% from the field and 39.7% from the three-point range.
That did get him into trouble at times, taking tough shots instead of deferring to teammates. But that seemed to be his role, as the engine behind the offense.
Standing 6’6″, Johnson is tremendously sizeable as a two-guard and has a requisite handle of the ball to create his shot, as he did for nearly all his looks with the Longhorns. His three-point shooting stroke was tremendous, especially considering many came off the dribble.
To translate to the next level, he’ll need to become more comfortable in catch-and-shoot situations and improve his defensive effort, which very well may have been due to the load he carried on the offensive end.
Considering all that, what would be the top landing spots for Johnson, a projected lottery pick?
Utah Jazz
Without an accomplished combo guard of the future, the touches would be aplenty for Johnson if he were to be taken by the Jazz at No. 5. Playing alongside fellow combo guard Jordan Clarkson could be beneficial for Johnson’s future, as he’d learn from someone who has been a Sixth Man of the Year in his career.
Certainly, the hope is that Johnson would excel past that role, and he’d have every right to claim that from Day 1, as he’d presumably vie for the starting spot. A rebuilding team, the Jazz need to stockpile as much talent as they can; if they decide the former Longhorn is deserving of that pick, they’d be wise to bet on his long-term upside.
Charlotte Hornets
Charlotte has a wide open spot for a young guard at the two, and Johnson could fill that hole immediately. Playing alongside All-Star point guard LaMelo Ball, he wouldn’t have as many touches on the ball — but would see tons of open looks off the catch-and-shoot, something that he could feast on.
If he adapts to the NBA game well as his career progresses, he’d certainly be given more opportunities to create for himself. However, as a rebuilding team, the Hornets are unusually prepared to ease Johnson in if they decide to take him with the fourth pick.
Toronto Raptors
Similar to the Hornets, Toronto was in rebuilding mode but is looking poised to compete for a playoff spot in the East after acquiring All-Star forward Brandon Ingram at the trade deadline. This roster has a logjam of shooting guards, with Gradey Dick and Ja’Kobe Walter occupying reserve roles when the team is at full strength.
But Johnson offers something neither has in their game: shot-creation off the dribble. Coming off the bench as a spark-plug scorer may be his best role early on, and he could fill that perfectly for the Raptors while developing into a more featured player with time.
Washington Wizards
The Wizards are in a stockpiling talent mode, meaning they’ll likely take the most talented player with the sixth pick regardless of position. Fortunately for Johnson, he would fit on this roster as they have yet to draft a star player at either guard position.
They certainly have talent there with Bub Carrington and Jordan Poole, but neither has done enough to solidify that position long-term. Johnson would have a chance to do so, as his shot-making would be a welcome sight for Wizards fans.
New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans are in an interesting position. They are a contending team that has disappointed in recent years. However, they have several accomplished stars on the roster and could ease Johnson in as he adapts to the NBA.
KEEP READING: ‘Reminds Me of Ray Allen’: ESPN Analyst Compares Texas Guard Tre Johnson to NBA Legend
Johnson could be given opportunities off the bench as he grows and progresses, hopefully into the starting two-guard of the future for the Pelicans. The Pelicans are still uncertain about the development of Jordan Hawkins, the 2023 No. 14 pick. Picking seventh this year, Johnson would be a solid pick as a high-scoring player with immense potential.
Dark Horse Destinations That Could Surprise on Draft Night
As a player who could provide immediate pop off the bench, Johnson could be a viable candidate for a contending team to trade up for.
Keep an eye out for the Oklahoma City Thunder, who have a vast cache of draft picks and could woo someone in the top 10 with an offer they can’t resist to select Johnson.
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