Three Washington Wizards rookies Tre Johnson, Will Riley and Jamir Watkins spent the offseason away from the court, volunteering at a back-to-school event at William Ramsay Elementary. They handed out supplies, books and lunches and connected with local kids, signaling a market-friendly, community-first approach in their debut league year. The same trio later joined the Nationals for a ceremonial first pitch as Washington hosted Oakland, blending basketball ascent with cross-sport branding.

On the court, Johnson led the group in NBA Summer League, posting 19.5 points per game with 3 rebounds, 1.5 assists and a steal on a 45.5% clip from three across two games, capped by a 21-point effort on July 13. Riley logged two Desert appearances at 10.5 points, 1.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists, while Watkins averaged 11 points, five rebounds and 4.2 steals with 1.6 assists over five games on 33.3% field shooting. Their offseason activities foreshadow a fast acclimation path and potential fantasy upside if they secure minutes behind established Wizards wings.

The Brooklyn Nets are preparing for the 2025 NBA Draft, where they hold five picks, including the 36th overall selection. Analysts predict they will pick Florida State forward Jamir Watkins, who has shown significant potential as a versatile defender and scorer during his senior year, averaging 18.4 points and 5.7 rebounds. His ability to guard multiple positions and contribute to secondary playmaking makes him a strong candidate, even if he is regarded as a late second-round pick. If the Nets choose to pass on him, there's a chance Watkins could go undrafted, giving Brooklyn the opportunity to sign him later on.

Watkins' skill set draws comparisons to former Net Caris LeVert, emphasizing his capability to impact the game on both ends of the floor. With the dynamics of the draft, the Nets might also consider other players like Tennessee's Chaz Lanier, who they worked out earlier. Ultimately, the Nets must balance immediate needs with long-term potential as they reshape their roster.