Julian Reese has reached a new milestone in his basketball journey, making his NBA debut for the Washington Wizards.
The younger brother of WNBA star Angel Reese signed a two-way contract with the Wizards and didn’t have to wait long for his first taste of the league.
His early performances have already started to turn heads among those who have followed his rise through the game. Here’s a closer look at the player behind the growing buzz.
Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images
Julian Reese gets his NBA opportunity with the Wizards
Julian Reese made his NBA debut for the Washington Wizards after signing a two-way deal with the team. The forward was even named in the starting lineup shortly after arriving with the franchise.
In his second NBA start, Reese totaled nine points, eight rebounds, and three assists over 30 minutes of play. The Wizards fell 126-109 to the Orlando Magic, but Reese’s performance didn’t go unnoticed.
Angel, now a star forward with the Chicago Sky, was there in person – sitting courtside in a Wizards jersey to support her brother.
She’s spoken before about how much her family means to her, and she made sure to be there for Julian’s big moment.
Angel Reese proud to see her brother reach the NBA
Angel Reese shared her pride as her younger brother reached the NBA. The moment marked a rare achievement for the Reese family, with both siblings now competing at the professional level.
Julian’s journey to the NBA wasn’t a straightforward one. After playing his college basketball at Maryland, he went undrafted in the 2025 NBA Draft but stayed determined to find a way in.
He joined the Lakers for Summer League action, then signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Toronto Raptors before finally landing his break with the Wizards.
The road to the NBA wasn’t easy, but Julian has made the most of his opportunity so far – and it’s clear his family couldn’t be prouder.
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