2025 NBA Draft Scouting Report for Washington Wizards No. 43 Pick Jamir Watkins

The Washington Wizards have selected Jamir Watkins with the No. 43 pick in the 2025 NBA draft.

Watkins made a big leap in 2024–25, earning second-team All-ACC honors after showcasing his versatility on both ends.

He filled the box score in all areas, using his physicality to create advantages in transition and the half court. He's most effective attacking downhill, using his strength and aggressiveness to challenge defenses.

However, his outside shot remains inconsistent, and his defensive focus can waver. He’ll need to rely on more than just power to score at the next level.

Looking at Watkins' long-term outcome, defense is where he's most likely to make a name for himself.

What he looks like on offense may depend on whether his 3-ball and finishing translate at a high level. It will also depend on how much a team is willing to put the ball in his hands and let him run the show.

That is what will determine if his ceiling rises despite entering the league at 23 years old.

Watkins ranks No. 34 on B/R NBA draft expert Jonathan Wasserman's 2025 Prospect Big Board.

Essential Facts and Stats

Previous Team: Florida State | Position: SF | Height: 6'5" | Weight: 215 lbs | Age: 23 | Vertical: 37" | Wingspan: 6'11¼" | PPG: 18.4 | RPG: 5.7 | APG: 2.4 | BPG: 0.5 | SPG: 1.2 | FG%: 42.7 | 3PT%: 32.1

Realistic Pro Comparison: Caris LeVert

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Watkins shows similarities to someone like Atlanta Hawks swingman Caris LeVert, except he brings more power as a big wing.

Like LeVert, Watkins can be a disruptive defender, and his overall defensive skill set looks translatable to the NBA level assuming his off-ball instincts stick.

Strengths

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• Physical Tools
• Secondary Playmaking
• Defensive versatility

Scouts had an easier time picturing Watkins as a strong NBA defender after watching him strip ball-handlers and blow up plays from off the ball during May's combine scrimmages.

Watkins can defend multiple positions, and on the other end of the court, he uses his physicality to blow through contact at the rim.

Weaknesses

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• Shooting Consistency
• Reliance on strength
• Defensive consistency

As much of a luxury as it is to have a small forward who uses his size and strength at the rim, Watkins often leans into that strength too much.

It will benefit him at the NBA level to continue building upon that secondary playmaking resume he's begun to display.