One week removed from the 2025 NBA Draft, the Washington Wizards aren’t just talking about talent, they’re talking about fit. As the franchise continues its methodical rebuild, new additions Tre Johnson, Will Riley, and Jamir Watkins are already showing signs that they align with the team’s culture-first approach.
Selected No. 6 overall, Johnson headlines the class with his offensive upside and maturity beyond his years. Riley, taken at No. 21 after the team acquired draft rights to him from the Utah Jazz, is a smooth, intelligent wing out of Illinois. Watkins, a well-rounded forward out of Florida State, joined the Wizards at No. 43 after the team traded back into the second round on night one.
Together, the trio represents more than just a talent infusion, they reflect the values General Manager Will Dawkins and his staff have spent the past few years instilling in an effort to rebrand the organization.
“That’s who we are at our core,” Dawkins told Double Take Sports at his post-draft press conference. “We’re a player-centric building. We’re a people-first organization.”
Those values were evident in the way the team approached the draft process. Dawkins emphasized that their pre-draft workouts weren’t just about skill evaluation. “We don’t want to just roll the balls out for the workout,” he said. “They get to touch the PPE departments. They get to sit down and talk with analytics to learn about themselves. It is a family atmosphere.”
That intentionality seems to have resonated with the rookies. Both Johnson and Riley described their pre-draft visits using words like family and connectedness—a reflection of the environment Washington is working hard to build.
While chemistry and culture are cornerstones, the front office was equally focused on basketball fit. Dawkins highlighted the group’s versatility, positional size, and competitive drive. “They’ve got a lot of work to put in,” he said, “but knowing these guys, they’re not afraid to put that time in. They’ll get their opportunity early in Las Vegas.”
Each player brings a different element to the rebuild. Will Riley is eager to showcase his decision-making and feel for the game: “Being versatile, making the right reads, showing my intelligence and my coachability,” he said.
Jamir Watkins is similarly focused on adaptability. “Just being versatile, being able to space the floor, and being easy to play with,” he said of his NBA goals.
Tre Johnson echoed that same mindset. “I like what they said about being versatile—really just doing whatever the team needs, showcasing what’s needed to win,” he said.
As the Wizards continue to build from the ground up, this year’s rookies seem aligned with both the culture and the direction Dawkins is shaping—one that values both people and potential. It’s not just about who the Wizards drafted, but how they’re being integrated into something bigger than basketball.
“We care about people. We care about the community,” Dawkins said. “And I think once you get to know these guys, our fans are going to love them.”
