Johnson’s Shooting Slump Is Already Forcing Major Wizards Rotational Questions as Minutes Hang in Balance

A difficult start from deep

Johnson opened his rookie season with eye-catching shooting: 44.4% from the floor and 39.3% from three on 5.5 attempts per game. Those figures came from a stretch ending in late January, rather than a full-season sample, as his availability faded toward the end of Washington’s campaign.

After taking on the physical demands of the NBA, Johnson aimed to add downhill scoring and defensive impact to his game. Strong Summer League and preseason performances raised hopes that he could challenge for a starting role, but his shooting has since slipped to 24.5% on similar volume.

Washington’s priorities have shifted

Last season, coach Brian Keefe had little reason to react strongly to Johnson’s late-season struggles. Washington was focused on developing prospects and making use of its draft assets, giving young players room to learn through regular minutes.

The team’s direction has since changed. The acquisitions of veterans Anthony Davis and Trae Young signaled an end to the teardown phase, while drafting AJ Dybantsa added to a roster expected to pursue wins more consistently.

Johnson’s shooting had been expected to help create room for other players, including second-unit lineups. His slump therefore raises questions about how Keefe can maintain that spacing while the Wizards try to move toward regular winning.

Few easy rotation replacements

Bub Carrington has started well as a spot-up shooter, but his volume and ability to create inside the arc remain behind what Washington had hoped Johnson would provide. Bilal Coulibaly is not a reliable shooter, Deandre Ayton does not look to shoot, and Will Riley has not yet shown he is ready for a regular rotation role.

Justin Champagnie had impressed before fracturing his foot four games into the season, an injury expected to keep him out for the next few months. Coulibaly’s return from a brief injury absence could give Keefe more defensive and above-the-rim options, but the roster has few other creative scorers.

Khris Middleton reaching closer to last season’s production would also help Washington through Johnson’s rough patch. For now, however, there is no obvious player who can simply take over the rookie’s expected role.

Keefe weighs possible adjustments

Keefe could alter the minute balance between Johnson and Carrington. Carrington has settled into about 19 minutes per game despite posting better play-finishing numbers, leaving room for a change in how the two guards are used.

Another possibility would be sending Johnson to the Capital City Go-Go, where he could focus on shooting in a lower-pressure setting. That would be an emergency option rather than an obvious first move.

The article indicates Keefe is likely to avoid an extreme response and continue giving Johnson opportunities. The rookie’s slump, however, is forcing the Wizards to consider how much patience their changing goals and limited options will allow.