The Washington Wizards have some impressive rookies in their roster. From Alex Sarr to Bub Carrington to Kyshawn George, Washington fans have a lot to look forward to in the following seasons. However, one of their recent acquisitions looks like a potential highlight machine for the team.
A few days ago, rookie AJ Johnson recorded his first NBA block in style, chasing down former Wizards player Deni Avdija for the rejection against the Blazers. Against the Jazz, Johnson once again showed off his athleticism, this time posterizing one of the best shot-blockers in the league, Walker Kessler off of a sideline lob pass.
OH MY AJ JOHNSON https://t.co/T7xTgacpZCpic.twitter.com/fvLAN7a13g
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) March 20, 2025
Johnson also made another athletically crazy play in the game, salvaging an errant lob pass from JT Thor to make a layup with his off-hand.
AJ! HOW?!? pic.twitter.com/gVlVukyMzb
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) March 20, 2025
Johnson, the 23rd overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, has seen some significant playing time towards the end of the season. The Wizards rookie is averaging 21 minutes per game in five games, averaging seven points, 2.6 rebounds, and four assists per contest. Johnson came over to Washington as part of the Kyle Kuzma-Khris Middleton swap.
It remains to be seen if Johnson will become a part of the Wizards' future core. The athletic rookie has shown flashes of his potential, but the guard position is stacked with young talent like Bub Carrington, Kyshawn George, and Jordan Poole. Still, plays like this could give the Wizards front office a reason to keep the promising rookie around.
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This story was originally published March 22, 2025 at 9:15 AM.