Jamir Watkins talks relationship with Leonard Hamilton, win over SMU
Jamir Watkins talks relationship with Leonard Hamilton, win over SMU
The Washington Wizards selected Florida State leading scorer Jamir Watkins with the 43rd overall pick in day two of the 2025 NBA Draft on Thursday night, June 26.
The Utah Jazz originally had the pick until the Wizards proposed the trade.
“I worked out for the Wizards last month,” Watkins said after his selection. “I really like how they have a young team with a coach in his second year. I feel that I will fit in well with them because they love my defense and how hard I play.”
Watkins is the first Seminole to be drafted since 2021, when Scottie Barnes went fourth overall to the Toronto Raptors, Balša Koprivica was selected in the second round (57th overall) by the Charlotte Hornets, and RaiQuan Gray followed at 59th overall by the Brooklyn Nets.
Watkins is former FSU coach Leonard Hamilton’s 18th NBA selection during his tenure at FSU.
Watkins, a two-time All-ACC performer, put together a decorated two-year career at FSU after transferring from VCU.
In all 65 games played, he averaged 17 points per game and finished with 1,104 total points, which is ranked No. 14 in school history. He also finished ninth with 346 free throws made (5.3 FTM/game) and tied for 12th with 450 free throws attempted (6.9 FTA/game).
Last season, Watkins averaged a career-best 18.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1,2 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game. He shot 42.7 percent from the field and 32.1 percent from behind the arc.
Watkins will join Texas guard Tre Johnson, who was selected No. 6 overall, and Illinois guard Will Riley at No. 21 overall Wednesday night.
Peter Holland Jr. covers Florida State athletics for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at PHolland@Gannett.com or on X @_Da_pistol.