Tre Johnson made a striking fashion statement on Wednesday at the 2025 NBA draft by wearing a standout outfit inspired by Trae Young’s memorable look from the 2018 draft. The former Texas Longhorns standout chose to wear shorts on the red carpet, capturing attention and evoking comparisons to Young’s bold style choice.
Recreating a Memorable NBA Draft Look
Trae Young initially grabbed headlines when he rocked a burgundy suit paired with shorts and sockless shoes during the 2018 NBA draft. Young explained in an interview that his choice to wear shorts was driven by a desire to set himself apart on draft night. Seven years later, Tre Johnson paid homage to the Atlanta Hawks star by adopting a similar approach.
Johnson arrived at the draft wearing a double-breasted navy suit jacket combined with knee-length tailored shorts. He finished the outfit with white socks and black Dr. Martens Adrian Bex Loafers, presenting a modern twist on Young’s iconic look while maintaining its bold spirit.
Tre Johnson’s Impact Before Entering the Draft
After one impressive season at Texas, Johnson declared for the 2025 NBA draft. During his freshman year, he averaged 19.9 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 0.9 steals over 33 games in the 2024-25 campaign. He led the SEC in scoring while shooting an efficient 42.7% from the field and nearly 40% from beyond the arc, firmly establishing himself as one of college basketball’s most promising guards.
Similarities in Draft Results for Johnson and Young
Beyond their daring fashion choices, Tre Johnson and Trae Young share another key connection: both were selected as lottery picks inside the top six of their respective NBA draft classes. Young was taken by the Atlanta Hawks with the fifth overall pick in 2018 after a trade involving Luka Doncic, while Johnson was chosen sixth overall by the Washington Wizards in 2025.
The Hawks benefited immensely from their selection, as Young quickly became one of the franchise’s greatest players, earning accolades such as being the youngest NBA player to reach 12,000 points and 4,500 assists. Meanwhile, the Wizards are hopeful Johnson will help turn around their fortunes after a difficult 18-64 season.
What Lies Ahead for Tre Johnson and the Washington Wizards
As the newest lottery pick for Washington, Johnson faces the challenge of contributing to a struggling team in need of a fresh start. His SEC Freshman of the Year honors and impressive college resume have set high expectations for his NBA trajectory. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Johnson’s bold draft night confidence translates into early success on the professional stage.
“I wore shorts in the draft because I wanted to be different.” — Trae Young, NBA Player