Wizards’ Jamir Watkins Undergoes Left ACL Surgery
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The Washington Wizards announced Thursday that guard/forward Jamir Watkins had successful surgery to repair a torn ACL in his left knee.
The injury occurred on July 9 during the team’s Las Vegas Summer League opener against the Utah Jazz. Watkins logged two points and four rebounds in 20 minutes before exiting a game Washington won by four.
Watkins, 25, was the 43rd pick in the 2025 draft. Originally signed to a two-way deal last July, he saw limited NBA action early in the 2025-26 season, then earned a regular rotation spot for the rebuilding Wizards and was elevated to a two-year standard contract at the end of February.
In late June, Washington declined a $2.15 million team option but extended a $2.39 million qualifying offer, making Watkins a restricted free agent. Instead of accepting that guaranteed one-year offer, he re-signed two days later on another two-way contract worth $679,000, which is non-guaranteed.
Known for his athleticism and perimeter defense, the former Florida State standout averaged 7.4 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.1 steals while shooting 44.6 percent from the field in 50 NBA games last season (20.6 minutes per game). He also appeared in nine contests for the Capital City Go-Go, the Wizards’ G League affiliate.
Recovery from ACL surgery typically ranges from 10 to 12 months, putting Watkins’ availability for the entire 2026-27 campaign in doubt.
Source: Hoops Rumors