Washington Wizards Announce Unfortunate Injury News About 25-Year-Old Forward
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Washington Wizards Announce Unfortunate Injury News About 25-Year-Old Forward
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 16: Jamir Watkins #5 of the Washington Wizards dunks the ball in the fourth quarter against Gary Payton II #0 of the Golden State Warriors at Capital One Arena on March 16, 2026 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images) Getty
Juan Paolo David
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4 min read
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 13: Jamir Watkins #5 of the Washington Wizards reacts after a shot in the fourth quarter of a preseason game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on October 13, 2025 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) Getty
Jamir Watkins shared this on his Instagram story. (@jamirwatkins) Heavy
CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 12: Trae Young #3 listens to Anthony Davis #23 of the Washington Wizards during the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena on April 12, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: The Cavaliers defeated the Wizards 130-117. User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) Getty
In an official press release, the Wizards announced that Watkins underwent successful surgery on his left knee. He was diagnosed with a torn ACL, suffering the injury at the 2026 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas.
"Watkins underwent a successful reconstruction to repair a torn ACL in his left knee, which was sustained during Summer League. The procedure was performed by Dr. Riley Williams at the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) in New York. Updates will be provided as appropriate," the team announced.
Jamir Watkins
GettyJamir Watkins #5 of the Washington Wizards reacts after a shot in the fourth quarter of a preseason game against theNew York Knicksat Madison Square Garden on October 13, 2025 in New York City.
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Watkins is coming off a solid rookie season as a second-round pick. Heaveraged7.4 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.1 steals on 44.6% shooting in 50 games. He could miss the entire 2026-27 season since the typical recovery for a torn ACL is from 10 to 12 months.
Jamir Watkins Sends Message After Surgery
In a post on hisInstagram stories, Jamir Watkins shared a quote following his successful surgery. Watkins appears to be questioning what happened to him, but he's determined to get back stronger than before.
"Faith is trusting God even when you don't understand His plan," the quote read.
Jamir Watkins IG Story
HeavyJamir Watkins shared this on his Instagram story. (@jamirwatkins)
Watkins was born and raised in Trenton, New Jersey. He went to VCU from 2020 to 2023 and finished his collegiate career at Florida State.
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After two years with the Seminoles, Watkins was drafted 43rd overall by theUtah Jazzin 2025. The Washington Wizards acquired him via trade that same night. He received plenty of playing time late last season during the team's "tanking" run and earned a standard contract.
According toRory Maher of HoopsRumors, the Wizards tendered a $2.39 million qualifying offer to Watkins to make him a restricted free agent. He didn't sign the offer but re-signed on a two-way contract. Maher wondered if the Wizards had a plan to convert his contract later next season.
Wizards This Offseason
Trae Young and Anthony Davis of the Washington Wizards
GettyTrae Young#3 listens toAnthony Davis#23 of the Washington Wizards during the fourth quarter against theCleveland Cavaliersat Rocket Arena on April 12, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio.
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The Washington Wizards didn't make a lot of changes to their roster this offseason, but they made a massive addition at the 2026 NBA draft. The Wizards selectedAJ Dybantsaout of BYU with the first overall pick, joining an already loaded core of young players and veteran stars.
