CHARLOTTE — PJ Washington will play at Spectrum Center for the first time since being traded from the Charlotte Hornets to the Dallas Mavericks in February.
“It's going to be a surreal moment,” Washington said.
Grant Afseth – DallasBasketball.com
Grant Afseth – DallasBasketball.com
Both the Hornets and Mavs held shootarounds Tuesday morning before their matchup, giving Washington a chance to connect with some of his former teammates and catch up with those he developed relationships with during his five seasons in Charlotte. .
“Obviously being drafted here, [playing here] It’s going to be great,” Washington said. “I've already met some of my old teammates. Some of the staff here. So I'm really happy to be back.”
“It's a little weird being in this building and being on the other side,” Washington continued. “But I think it's cool and I'm happy to be here. And I'm happy to see a lot of familiar faces. So it feels good.”
Washington has a 19-7 record in 26 games played with the Mavs. Although he initially struggled with his perimeter shooting, he averaged 12.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.5 assists while shooting 42.8 percent from the floor, 32.5 percent from beyond the arc, and 64.6 percent from free throws.
Washington most emphasized making a strong defensive impact on the Mavs as the team's defense resurgence. No team in the lineup that has played at least 100 minutes since the NBA All-Star hiatus has a better defensive rating than Dallas' starting five, and Washington's versatility on the wing plays a key role.
“For me, it's just being able to make an impact defensively and change the game that way,” Washington said. He feels like he's done pretty well in that area, whether it's protecting the ball, protecting the bigs or protecting the wings. So I'm just trying to be versatile in that regard. ”
Beyond his on-ball defense, Washington has used his length and athleticism to be a disruptive off-ball defender, filling a void for the Mavs. With a 7-foot, 2.5-inch wingspan, he uses his wingspan to disrupt finishes to the rim as a weakside help defender, pry the ball open on drives for assists, and become a disruptive presence that dictates rotations. Ta.
“I think [off-ball defensive] “It's just as important as on the ball because a lot of passes in the league are off the ball, so you just have to be careful and make sure your guys don't cut backdoors,” Washington said. Ta. And make sure I'm speaking up and being conscious on that side. ”
No team has had a higher defensive rating than the Mavs since March 6, including a sample size of 16 games in which the team went 14-2. Washington highlighted how the team is now able to mix and match defensive schemes even more after gaining more continuity.
“I think it's great to be able to do that. [use difference schemes] Because we have a lot of guys who are tall and have long wingspans,” Washington said. It's going to be tough for us playing against different players, let alone making the playoffs, so we're just excited to come together at the right time and be here.”
Playing with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving naturally gives Washington an opportunity to take advantage offensively, given the attention they get from the defense. LaMelo Ball is a crafty playmaker in his own right, but there's a different dynamic in Dallas.
“It's just the two greatest players of all time playing the game, so it makes it a lot easier for me,” Washington said. “They attract so much attention and open the door to gaming for so many different people. They've certainly made gaming a lot easier.”
An early return in a trade would be an advantage for the Mavs and an advantage for the Hornets, and Washington is happy for both parties to see it play out that way. He also appreciates the opportunity to spend more time with his family in Dallas.
“Obviously, I'm leaving the city that drafted me and spent so much time here, so it's mixed feelings, but I'm excited that both sides are doing well,” Washington said. “I was looking forward to coming home to my family. I have a lot of family and friends in Dallas.”
