In a dialog with Chase Hughes of Monumental Sports activities Community, the Washington Wizards veteran guard CJ McCollum shared his early impressions of the group’s rookie class – Tre Johnson, Will Riley, and Jamir Watkins.
Whereas he spoke positively about all three, McCollum zeroed in on Watkins with explicit enthusiasm, suggesting that the second-round choose has the instruments to turn out to be a high-level defender within the NBA.
The skilled scorer described Watkins as a participant with critical 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 very good defender,” McCollum mentioned.
“He was asking me how he acquired 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 this time’s NBA requirements for versatile defenders.
“He’s acquired a very good 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 change 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 blended opinions about Alex Sarr’s future, plus extra on the Wizards. https://t.co/kSv6Y4HGkW
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) October 12, 2025
