NBA Draft Profile: Is Tre Johnson’s Elite Outside Shooting Enough for 76ers to Select Him at No. 3?

The Philadelphia 76ers hold the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 NBA draft. With the draft just a few weeks away, there is still plenty of time to dissect the multiple potential options the Sixers have at the No. 3 pick. Tre Johnson’s scoring ability makes him an enticing pick for the Sixers. However, should the poor positional fit and lack of versatility in Johnson’s skillset be enough to prevent him from being the pick at 3?

Prior draft profiles: Ace Bailey | V.J. Edgecombe

Combine measurements: 6-foot-4 3/4 (without shoes), 190.4 pounds

2024-25 stats: 33 games, 34.7 minutes, 19.9 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 0.9 steals, 0.3 blocks, 42.7% from the field, 39.7% from 3-point range, 87.1% from the free-throw line

Strengths:

Johnson is arguably the best pure shooter in this draft class. He shot 39.7% from 3-point range on 6.8 attempts per game in his lone season at Texas. While his overall numbers are impressive, they do not tell the whole story. Johnson showed in college he can knock down jumpers in all situations. He shot 40.8% on catch-and-shoot 3-pointers, 54.8% on 3-pointers coming off screens, 38.4% on off-the-dribble 3-pointers and 44.2% on 3-pointers coming in transition. There are a few other players in this draft class who are good spot-up shooters, but none of them have Johnson’s combination of shooting versatility and efficiency. He can be a weapon offensively both with the ball in his hands and as an off-ball player running off screens. His outside shooting is what powered him to an SEC-leading 19.9 points per game.

Tre Johnson is just a ridiculous shooter and shotmaker pic.twitter.com/ACCxudLoHx

— Will Rucker (@Will_Rucker3_AD) May 15, 2025

Most of Johnson’s impact, at least early in his career, will come from his shooting ability. However, he did show some promise as a playmaker at Texas. Despite averaging just 2.7 assists per game, Johnson did have some moments where he looked like an above-average playmaker. He can effectively operate the pick-and-roll through his ability to make solid drop-off passes to the roller. The 19-year old also displayed the ability and vision to leverage his scoring ability on the perimeter into making passes to open teammates in good positions to score. Johnson also knows how to take care of the basketball, committing just 1.8 turnovers per game at Texas. While he will likely never be a dominant playmaker at the next level, the tools are there for him to be an effective secondary creator in the NBA.

Weaknesses:

Johnson was an excellent outside shooter at Texas, but there is not much else in his scoring arsenal. He was abysmal at driving to the basket in college, making just 45.6% of his layup attempts. Most of his struggles in this area can be attributed to lacking strength to power through contact at the rim. Despite standing at nearly 6-foot-4 (without shoes), Johnson weighs just 190.4 pounds. His lack of size and strength led to him taking more lower-percentage shots such as floaters or mid-range pull-up jumpers. While he shot 39.7% from 3-point range at Texas, his overall field goal percentage was just 42.7.

An argument can be made that some of Johnson’s issues driving to the basket will be alleviated from being surrounded by more talent and better floor spacing. It is likely the case Johnson will get more open shots and good driving lanes since he will not be the focal point of opposing defenses like he was in college. However, his lack of strength is still going to severely limit him offensively at the next level. NBA defenses will pressure him and play him tight on the perimeter. Johnson does not have the strength or above-average ball handling to break through and blow by tight defense. Unless he bulks up, Johnson will be limited to impacting the game mainly through his outside shooting.

There are also major concerns about Johnson on the defensive side of the floor. He lacks the necessary approach and technique to be a good player defensively. In addition to having poor positioning at times, Johnson is again inhibited by a lack of strength. This shows up in his inability to navigate screens and impact when his opponent is driving to the basket. Johnson, at just 19 years old, will likely bulk up and fill out his 6-foot-4 3/4 (without shoes) frame. The bigger concern is his lack of consistent effort and engagement defensively. There were far too many possessions at Texas where Johnson drifted out of position or was caught ball watching.

Final Take:

Johnson’s outside shooting ability makes him a tantalizing prospect. He is capable of being an elite shooter both in catch-and-shoot situations as well as coming off-the-dribble. However, his current production is going to be vastly limited by his lack of a well-rounded scoring arsenal, poor defense and the need to add more strength to his frame. At 19 years old and with a strong work ethic, Johnson will likely overcome some of his current limitations. Even if he never hits his ceiling, Johnson’s shooting is enough for him to find a role in the NBA. If Johnson can bulk up and become more consistently engaged defensively, he has the chance to develop into a high-quality starter.

The Sixers, sitting at the third pick, could take a long look at taking Johnson. He would be a great fit offensively in Philadelphia. With Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Paul George already on the roster, Johnson would be able to settle into more of an off-ball, floor-spacing role early in his career. Johnson could thrive in a two-man game with Embiid. Other off-ball shooters (JJ Redick and Seth Curry) found a lot of success playing next to Embiid over the last several seasons.

Johnson’s defensive limitations are hard to ignore. The Sixers, especially if they re-sign Quentin Grimes, have a stacked guard rotation. If Johnson was a better defender, a case could be made for fitting him in different three-guard lineups. However, a lineup with Maxey, Johnson and Jared McCain would get crushed defensively. The team could get by with playing two of them together, but having three players on the floor who are, at best, average defenders is not a recipe for success.

There is still a chance president of basketball operations Daryl Morey will select Johnson. He has stated the team will draft the best player available regardless of fit. Johnson, unlike most players in this draft class, already possesses an elite skill in his outside shooting. If the Sixers select Johnson, it will show they are highly valuing having an elite skill over being a well-rounded player.