NBA Comparison: Tyler Johnson

Strengths: Washington can immediately ignite any offense … With no fear, a quick trigger, and a nice shooting stroke, he can pour on the points …The junior guard averaged over 16 points per game on 41% shooting … He is lighting quick with the ball in his hands, and has a knack for getting open around the rim … Is confident and comfortable shooting from behind the arc, and more catch and shoot chances in the pros should improve his 37% from this season … Is an elite free throw shooter, hitting 83.5% of his attempts … Washington is a true three level scorer, able to hit tough threes, mid-range jumpers and finish around the basket … He is excellent at creating space for a shot, and can shake defenders for jumpers or while attacking the rim…Can find teammates for easy looks, averaging almost three assists per game … Can become almost un-guardable when he gets rolling, and can start burying almost any shot attempt … The former Buckeye is a solid rebounder for a guard, hauling in 3.4 misses per game … Washington has a great motor, and always seems to be in attack mode when on the court .. .Can push well in transition with his burst and shiftiness. .. Has rapidly improved between his freshman and junior seasons, scoring almost ten points per game more while greatly improving his efficiency from inside and outside the three-point arc …

Weaknesses: For all of his ability to score the basketball, Washington is streaky at times, but continues to hunt his own shot … For example, he scored 18 points in his final game for the Buckeyes against Oral Roberts, but did so by hitting just 7/21 shots and going just 3/12 from deep, while missing the final shot of regulation and overtime … He is a good passer, but can force his own looks when there isn’t an easy pass available … Doesn’t have the stature at 6’3 to defend many shooting guards in the NBA, but also doesn’t have the passing and vision to play the point guard…Is not a very impactful defender, and he recorded just 13 steals this season … Won’t often engineer easy looks for teammates … Can become overly reliant on difficult step back or contested jumpers … It is challenging to see a starting caliber point or shooting guard in Washington due to his defensive limitations and inability to collect more than a few assists per game … Is a fluid and quick athlete, but did not test particularly well, finishing among the top five guards in only one category, the shuttle run.

Notes: Measured: 6’2.25” barefoot, 6’3.75” in shoes, 8’5.0” standing reach, 196.8 lbs, 6’7.75” wingspan … Named an All-Big Ten third team selection by both coaches and the media … Son of former NBA player Duane Washington Sr. and nephew of former NBA player and current Sparks Head Coach and General Manager Derek Fisher.

Michael Hopp 7/10/21