Tre Johnson’s obsessive work ethic meets Khris Middleton’s veteran championship pedigree as two former rivals unite to transform Washington’s culture and revitalize a struggling franchise.
Tre Johnson hadn't played a single regular-season minute for the Washington Wizards when one of his veteran teammates essentially told him to find another hobby.
Basketball had already consumed so much of the former Texas star's life that CJ McCollum encouraged the then-19-year-old rookie to find something outside the sport that could provide an escape during the grind of an 82-game NBA season.
It was hardly criticism.
Following Washington's media day in September 2025, the crew at Locked On Wizards noted that Johnson's approach to basketball had already earned respect from both the young and veteran players surrounding him.
One year later, the Wizards' investment in Johnson is no longer about preparing him for his first NBA season.
It's about figuring out just how good the former Longhorn can become — and a former Texas A&M star will remain around to help Washington find out.
Khris Middleton re-signed with the Wizards this summer after being dealt as part of their trade for Anthony Davis, bringing back one of the most accomplished veterans to an otherwise young roster in Washington.
The college connection is certainly amusing.
Johnson spent his lone collegiate season at Texas before becoming the No. 6 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Middleton spent three seasons at rival Texas A&M before beginning an NBA career that eventually produced three All-Star selections and a championship.
But Middleton's résumé matters considerably more to Washington than where he went to school.
Johnson has already demonstrated the obsessive approach necessary to improve. Middleton can provide a firsthand example of what more than a decade of NBA development can eventually produce.
And the former Aggie has already identified something he likes about the former Longhorn.
"He's a shooter, man. I mean, he has confidence. He's going to pull them whenever he's open and not think twice about it," Middleton said of Johnson, via Monumental Sports Network.
Longhorns fans certainly don't need Middleton to tell them that.
Johnson's confidence as a scorer helped turn one season in Austin into a top-six draft selection. Washington now needs to determine how much further that ability can take him.
Middleton can't answer that question.
Neither can McCollum ... nor any other veteran the Wizards have or will place around Johnson.
But they can help make sure one of Washington's most important young players understands what comes with trying to build a long NBA career.
Texas provided the Wizards with the talent, and an Aggie might be able to help them develop it.
