In a dialog with Chase Hughes of Monumental Sports activities Community, the Washington Wizards veteran guard CJ McCollum shared his early impressions of the workforce’s rookie class – Tre Johnson, Will Riley, and Jamir Watkins.
Whereas he spoke positively about all three, McCollum zeroed in on Watkins with specific enthusiasm, suggesting that the second-round decide has the instruments to develop into a high-level defender within the NBA.
The skilled scorer described Watkins as a participant with severe defensive potential and a mindset that units him aside.
“He asks questions on protection. He was within the chilly tub yesterday asking me about Herb Jones and what makes him such a great defender,” McCollum stated.
“He was asking me how he bought to that time. I used to be telling him that he cares. He watches movie, he makes the additional effort, and the physique kind matches.”
The veteran guard emphasised how Watkins’ bodily profile suits at the moment’s NBA requirements for versatile defenders.
“He’s bought a great physique – 6-foot-5, 6-foot-6 with lengthy arms, fast sufficient to protect ones, robust sufficient to protect threes and fours. He can in all probability swap onto some fives after which it’s 3-and-D. The league loves that,” McCollum added, highlighting the worth of that archetype in trendy lineups.
There are combined opinions about Alex Sarr’s future, plus extra on the Wizards. https://t.co/kSv6Y4HGkW
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) October 12, 2025
