When the Dallas Mavericks traded for P.J. Washington at the trade deadline, it was a move seemingly every Mavs fan loved.
Washington was a restricted free agent and was wanted by many Mavs fans during the summer, but the Mavs showed no interest in him. In the end, he became one of their top targets at the trade deadline, allowing them to acquire him for Grant Williams, Seth Curry, and a 2027 first-round pick.
The deal was focused on acquiring Washington, but Dallas was also trying to get rid of Williams. The Mavs traded him at the perfect time because he was talking too much for his little production.
Washington excelled defensively, but struggled offensively. He is averaging 8.0 points per game since becoming a Maverick, shooting 37.2 percent from the field and 19.0 percent from downtown.
He's getting a lot of open looks, but it's not falling off. For Washington to break out of his slump as a shooter, he needs to have some confidence and be ready to make shots. Washington showed some confidence in the game against the Suns in Dallas, but in other games he has looked less confident and not ready to take shots.
Washington could also be used more often as a screener in the pick-and-roll. During his time with the Charlotte Hornets, Washington was used as both a pick-and-roll ball handler and screener. This is not common in today's NBA, and the Mavs could unlock his potential by using him more as a screener.
Washington has a good floater that can be used from short rolls and is an underrated lob threat. The Mavs have to find a way to get him involved in the offense even when he's not taking shots, and that could be an easy way to do it.
Dallas' next game is tonight against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Stay tuned for updates on PJ Washington and the Dallas Mavericks this season.
