Washington Wizards rookie AJ Johnson recently shared the players who influence his style of play as he develops his skills in the NBA, including Oklahoma City Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Indiana Pacers' Tyrese Haliburton.
During a postgame interview, Johnson revealed he modeled his game after Gilgeous-Alexander when he was in high school. Moreover, the NBA rookie also watched a lot of Haliburton and Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving while he was growing up. The Wizards star also added Kevin Durant to the list of All-Star guards he mentioned.
Johnson's admiration for these players reflects a keen understanding of the game and a desire to enhance his own skill set. As a young player, he recognizes the importance of learning from the best in the sport. By studying the techniques and strategies of All-Stars, he aims to refine his offensive and defensive play, making him a more valuable asset to the Wizards.
Wizards rookie AJ Johnson mentioned Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Tyrese Haliburton and others when asked about the NBA players he's modeled his game after. pic.twitter.com/jfvUCMrvUo
— Chase Hughes (@chasedcsports) March 30, 2025
The Wizards are in a crucial phase of rebuilding, and alongside veterans, Johnson's input will be vital for the team's future. As he continues to grow, fans are eager to see how his game evolves. The influence of these All-Star guards is evident as he works on his shot selection, court vision, and defensive strategies.
With the season underway, Johnson has the opportunity to showcase his progress while honoring those who have inspired him. The Wizards organization remains optimistic about his potential and looks forward to watching the rookie translate his influences into impactful performances on the court.
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This story was originally published April 2, 2025 at 2:03 AM.