March Madness is always a proving ground for college basketball stars, and Texas Longhorns’ guard Tre Johnson made sure to leave his mark.
Despite Texas’ early exit from the NCAA Tournament in the First Four, Johnson’s scores have cemented his status as one of the top prospects in the 2025 NBA Draft. But which team will be lucky enough to secure his services? Let’s break down five potential landing spots for the Texas guard as he leaps the pros.
5 Possible Landing Spots for Texas’ Tre Johnson
His performance, including a stellar 23-point game against Xavier, has only fueled speculation about where he could land in the upcoming draft.
1) San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs are in the midst of a rebuild centered around their generational talent, Victor Wembanyama. Adding a high-level scoring guard like Johnson could be exactly what they need to complement Wemby’s dominance in the paint. San Antonio has lacked a consistent perimeter scorer, and Johnson’s ability to create his shot would make him an instant contributor.
Texas freshman Tre Johnson against Arkansas in OT:
39 PTS
The freshman is SPECIAL
pic.twitter.com/VocCTTx7r0
— B/R Hoops (@brhoops) February 27, 2025
Head coach Gregg Popovich has a history of developing young guards into stars, and Johnson’s skill set aligns well with San Antonio’s methodical yet efficient style of play. If the Spurs land a top-five pick, don’t be surprised if they seriously consider Johnson as a backcourt partner for their young core.
2) Detroit Pistons
The Pistons have been stuck in a cycle of rebuilding for years. Well, the addition of Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, and Jalen Duren has given them a promising young core. However, they still lack a dynamic wing scorer who can create offense when the game slows down. Enter Johnson.
Detroit desperately needs a player who can take some of the scoring pressure off Cunningham, and Johnson’s polished offensive arsenal makes him an ideal fit. His ability to space the floor and attack off the dribble could finally give the Pistons the firepower they need to compete in the Eastern Conference.
3) Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets have their franchise player in LaMelo Ball, but they need more talent around him. With Brandon Miller and Mark Williams developing into solid contributors, adding Johnson could give Charlotte a lethal perimeter trio.
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Johnson’s ability to move off the ball and knock down shots would pair beautifully with Ball’s playmaking. The Hornets have struggled to find consistency on both ends of the floor, and Johnson’s scoring could immediately elevate their offensive production. If Charlotte lands in the top five of the draft, Johnson could be an easy pick.
4) Toronto Raptors
The Raptors are in transition, moving on from their championship core and focusing on a new wave of talent. While Scottie Barnes has emerged as a future All-Star, Toronto still lacks a true go-to scorer. Johnson could be the missing piece.
Toronto’s development staff has a strong track record of turning raw prospects into stars. Johnson wouldn’t have to carry the load immediately but could grow into a franchise cornerstone under the guidance of head coach Darko Rajaković. If the Raptors secure a high draft pick, Johnson’s name will certainly be in the conversation.
5) Utah Jazz
Utah may not be the most talked-about destination, but they’ve quietly built an exciting young roster. With Lauri Markkanen and Keyonte George showing promise, adding Johnson would give them another elite offensive weapon.
The Jazz love versatile scorers, and Johnson’s ability to create offense at all three levels makes him a natural fit. Utah has the assets to move up in the draft if needed, and if Johnson is available, they’d be wise to make a move.
What’s Next for Tre Johnson?
While Texas’ season ended earlier than expected, Johnson’s stock remains high. Scouts are enamored with his smooth shooting stroke, high basketball IQ, and ability to take over games. His 39-point explosion against Arkansas earlier in the season showcased just how lethal he can be when he’s locked in.
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Johnson’s focus now shifts to pre-draft workouts, where he’ll have the opportunity to prove that he’s more than just a college scorer. No matter where he goes, one thing is certain: Tre Johnson is built for the bright lights of the NBA, and fans should be excited to see what’s next for this rising star.
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