Wizards Guard Might Hit Rookie Wall Early

The Washington Wizards are happy to start the season on a fresh slate considering how things went last season for them. They have had many issues over the years which has caused them to lose more than any team in the NBA. They are hoping things will change this season after drafting a player who loves nothing but basketball. Coming from a good school in college, former Texas Longhorn is an exciting and intriguing player to watch for the Wizards this upcoming season. However, with that being said, there may be some cause of concern for him early this season.

After this video went viral GM Will Dawkins said the Wizards are trying to help Tre develop some hobbies. Here’s CJ McCollum in detail on why it’s actually pretty important: https://t.co/xMvkXYr5cD pic.twitter.com/KgtSRL1dys
— Chase Hughes (@chasedcsports) September 29, 2025

There are some people in the world who only know one way of life and only have one gear, which is to work until they can’t anymore. We see this happen a lot as some people grew up working hard and not having much fun in life. Fun isn’t necessarily a necessity. However, being balanced in life and having something to relax with at times is essential to avoiding burnout. After Johnson expressed how he essentially has zero off-court interests and that he is all-hoop, the newly acquired veteran CJ McCollum offered some advice to him.

Washington Wizards Tre Johnso — Sep 29, 2025; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard Tre Johnson (12) poses for a portrait during Wizards Media Day at CareFirst Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images | Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

McCollum is entering his 13th season in the NBA, so he understands how valuable and critical it is to have some downtime throughout the season. McCollum offered advice to the rookie by saying, “You've got to find something else (besides sleep). You don’t play video games? You need an escape! This is about to be an 82-game season, practice every day, you’re only off once every six days, we’re going to be in new cities every night, so you’re going to need something to do on that off day that’s not basketball.” No doubt, McCollum knows what he’s talking about as he has had success throughout his career. The veteran offered the advice of getting a massage or doing yoga during the off days.

Working hard every day at your craft is something that should be commended for Johnson. However, not only will that contribute to burnout, it also could contribute to injury and, most importantly, hitting the rookie wall early in the season. Playing 82 games in a single season is a journey and a marathon. So it is important to take care of yourself not only physically but mentally as well. This mentality Johnson has is the mentality of an all-star, maybe even a future NBA champion. However, if he doesn’t find a hobby or something to take care of him mentally, he will hit the rookie wall early and may have a long season ahead of him with the Wizards.

Make sure you bookmark the Washington Wizards on SI for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns, and so much more!