Former Terps standout Julian Reese makes NBA debut with Wizards

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Mar 3, 2026 - 03:25

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The Wizards wasted no time giving Julian Reese NBA minutes.

Just a couple of days after signing a two-way deal with Washington, the former Terps star and Angel Reese’s brother made his NBA debut Monday against the Rockets. He finished the game with two points — the first of his NBA career — four rebounds and three steals in 28 minutes.

There were positives for Reese, namely his defensive energy. There were expected mistakes, too, which included him fouling out and turning the ball over four times without tallying any assists.

Washington, which is well outside of playoff contention with a 16-43 record, fell to Houston, 123-118.

The Wizards next play Tuesday against the Magic and then Thursday at home against the Jazz, giving Reese additional chances to log minutes this week. Trade acquisition Trae Young will make his team debut Thursday.

While Reese’s NBA future is far from certain — he spent most of the season prior to this week playing for Toronto’s G League affiliate with mixed success — his NBA debut is a testament to his development.

Reese’s career blossomed late at Maryland, where he finished with 1,488 career points and 1,015 rebounds. He’s one of just two Terps (Len Elmore) to achieve the feat of recording 1,000 rebounds and scoring 1,000 points.

His final season in College Park ended with a Sweet 16 appearance, but his early career at Maryland wasn’t so easy. The Terps fired coach Mark Turgeon in Reese’s freshman season, but he spent the next three seasons developing under Kevin Willard’s watch. Reese and company were decent in both 2023 and 2024, making one NCAA Tournament appearance and winning 38 games.

In 2025, with Baltimore’s Derik Queen on the roster, the Terps won 27 games and advanced to the Sweet 16. Queen and Reese formed one of the country’s most dynamic frontcourts and now, both are in the NBA. Queen has experienced an up-and-down rookie season with defensive inefficiencies sending him to the bench at times.

The two former teammates trying to carve out professional roles could share an NBA court in the coming days, with the Wizards visiting Queen’s Pelicans on Saturday.

Have a news tip? Contact Bennett Conlin at bconlin@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/BennettConlin.