The Washington Wizards return to action on Friday night against the Dallas Mavericks.
However, the matchup that everyone will be watching won't be the Wizards vs. the Mavericks, but instead Cooper Flagg vs. Tre Johnson.
The No. 1 overall pick vs. the No. 6 overall pick.
Enteirng the offseason, it was clear that Cooper Flagg was was the clear favorite to be selected with the top overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft,
The Duke product was being considered as a generational talent and not only were NBA teams tanking for the opportunity to be in the mix when the NBA Draft Lottery came around, but teams stayed aggressive entering the draft process looking for ways to trade up for the versatile prospect.
All the draft conversations seemed to surround Flagg and which team would be lucky enough to select the talent that could immediately change the direction of their future.
For Johnson, conversations didn't pick up until late in the process.
The Texas product shined in college, but his pre-draft process consisted more of where he'd be selected, ranging anywhere between No. 3 overall to No. 10.
Johnson was never considered in the conversation for the top two selections and while that may not seem like a big deal, for a player who strives to be the best, it only added extra weight to the chip already on his shoulder.
Now, with a matchup set for Friday against the player who was considered the top prospect in the draft, Johnson has a prime opportunity to prove what he knew all along; he is the best player from this offseason's NBA Draft.
Following his strong rookie debut, totaling 16 points, five rebounds and two assists, while shooting 5/11 from field goal range and 4/8 from beyond the arc, Johnson can carry the momentum into his second regular season game.
With improving confidence and extra motivation, it won't be a shock to see the rookie guard come out looking to make a statement on Friday night and considering his ability to rise to the occasion, it's almost expected.
Meanwhile, Flagg will be looking to bounce back from his lackluster rookie debut against the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday, finishing with 10 points and 10 rebounds on an abysmal shooting night.
Both rookies will be entering Friday with something to prove, but considering what's on the table, Johnson has the chance to take matters into his own hands and showcase the best rook resides in Washington.