Jamir Watkins

Watkins is an American forward who reached the NBA through a second-round selection in 2025, eventually landing with the Washington Wizards via trade from the Utah Jazz. His college career spanned VCU and Florida State, with a standout senior season that saw him start every game and earn all-conference recognition. He signed a two-way contract and later converted it to a standard two-year deal.

Born on July 6, 2001, in Trenton, New Jersey, Watkins attended Trenton Catholic Academy. Rated a three-star recruit, he committed to VCU. As a freshman, he appeared in 26 games and averaged 7.2 points and 2.6 rebounds. He missed the entire 2021-22 season due to a knee injury. In his return season, he averaged 9.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.2 steals and entered the NCAA transfer portal.

Watkins transferred to Florida State for his senior season. He started all 33 games and averaged 15.6 points, six rebounds, and 2.8 assists while adding 64 steals and 26 blocks. He was named all-ACC honorable mention. He scored 34 points with 11 rebounds and four steals in the ACC tournament second round. He declared for the 2024 NBA draft but withdrew and returned for a fifth year.

In his extra season, he posted 30 points against Rice and 29 points against Tulane, solidifying his draft stock. The Utah Jazz selected him 43rd overall in the 2025 draft and traded his rights to the Washington Wizards. He signed a two-way contract and later a standard two-year NBA contract on February 26, 2026. On April 12, 2026, he scored a career-high 24 points against Cleveland.

Watkins is a versatile forward with scoring ability in the mid-range and around the basket. He uses his length to finish over smaller defenders and has shown improvement as a three-point shooter. Defensively, he uses active hands and positioning to generate steals and blocks, and his rebounding rates are productive for his size.

Watkins begins his professional career as a young forward with the Washington Wizards, carrying the pedigree of a strong Florida State tenure and a fifth-year breakout. His trajectory from a three-star recruit to an NBA draft pick reflects steady improvement and a willingness to adapt his game after injury and a mid-career transfer.