Wizards’ Rookie AJ Johnson Shines in Debut Despite Tough Loss

PORTLAND, Ore. — AJ Johnson made a significant impression in his first career start on Monday, contributing eight points, seven rebounds, four assists, and one block during the Washington Wizards‘ 112-97 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers. The 20-year-old guard faced his first major challenge as a starter, filling in for several injured teammates.

Johnson’s substitute start came in the wake of injuries sidelining key players, including Marcus Smart and Malcolm Brogdon. The team’s struggles were amplified by the absence of second-year guard Bilal Coulibaly, who has been ruled out for the remainder of the season due to a hamstring strain. The Wizards now find themselves focused on developing their younger players as they finish out a challenging season.

“We need to see what we have in young guys like AJ,” said Wizards coach Brian Keefe. “He has the potential, and we want to give him the chance to prove it as the season wraps up.”

Johnson scored his points with a shooting line of 3-of-8 from the field, including 1-of-4 from beyond the arc. Though he managed to showcase his athleticism, his play was marred by six turnovers, accounting for nearly half of the Wizards’ 16 total giveaways. In total, Johnson logged 35 minutes on the court.

The loss against Portland pushed Washington’s road trip record to 3-3, further complicating an already difficult season. Johnson, the 23rd overall pick in the latest draft, has embraced the opportunity after previously spending time developing his skills in the G League with the Capital City Go-Go, where he averaged 16.4 points, 4.4 assists, and 3.4 rebounds.

In recent weeks, the team has shifted their focus from competition to evaluation, hoping to find effective lineups and assess player potential. After joining the Wizards at the trade deadline, his development will be closely monitored over the final stretch of games.

“The coaching staff is excited about AJ. We view him as a key piece of our future,” Keefe added. “Now we want to see how he adapts and grows in critical situations.”

While the team’s season outcomes won’t lead to postseason play, players and coaches alike remain optimistic about the learning opportunities ahead. With continued mentorship from veterans like Khris Middleton, Johnson has the chance to refine his skills during his early professional experiences.

“Even in a loss, he shows flashes of what he can become for us,” Middleton remarked, emphasizing the importance of learning from these experiences. “It’s all about getting better, and AJ is on the right path.”

As the Wizards navigate the final weeks of the season, Johnson and his peers will be seeking opportunities to solidify their positions for the upcoming offseason.