The Dallas Mavericks made two moves at the NBA trade deadline that completely changed the team for the better.
Dallas' first trade of the day was Daniel Gafford. This trade gives the Mavs another big man who can start or play off the bench, and his energy has been great for this team so far.
The second trade of the day was for PJ Washington. This move gives the Mavs someone who can play 3-5, stretch the floor, and guard the opposing team's best player. Mavs fans were ecstatic that Dallas made the trade with Washington. Because he's the player the Mavs wanted to pursue over the summer.
Dallas chose not to pursue him during restricted free agency during the offseason, but he joined the team at the perfect time. Washington's time in Dallas was short, but there were already some valleys and peaks.
When it comes to Washington, the biggest story these days is his struggles as a 3-point shooter. Since joining Dallas, Washington is shooting 25.3 percent from downtown and making more than five attempts per game. He has great looks from all over the arc and often in the corner, but has yet to find his consistency as a shooter.
He shot 16.1 percent from nearly two corners per game as a Maverick. Washington gets great looks off corners, but it's clear that his weakness as a shooter is on corners. This is something he needs to improve on to be used effectively next to Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, but fans need to be more aware of his strengths as a shooter before he falls into a weakness or slump. .
Washington's impact as a defender is astronomical, there's no denying that.
Washington can protect big forwards in the post, move his feet to the wings with his athletic wings, and block shots like a five. He averaged 1.0 steals and 0.9 blocks per game as a Mav, and has an excellent ability to convert any shot.
Washington uses his stocky 6-foot-7 frame to play down low and uses his massive 7-foot-2 wingspan to his advantage. When someone tries to shoot past him with a fade-away jumper or a pull-up jumper, he always does a great job of putting his hands in the opponent's face and countering the shot without fouling.
Washington's jumper will be a staple in Dallas, as he shot 35 percent from 3-point range in his career, but his ability to shut down the opposing team's best player at any given time will likely see him play for years to come. He will become an indispensable part of the team. .
Stay tuned for updates on PJ Washington and the Dallas Mavericks this season.
