The Dallas Mavericks are rapidly bouncing back from a blowout loss to the Indiana Pacers on Sunday night as they take on the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday. Newly acquired Mavericks wing P.J. Washington had his worst game since coming to Dallas against Indiana. Washington committed four clumsy turnovers and completed just 1-of-6 field attempts.
However, Washington played a key role as its primary defender, holding Pascal Siakam to 12 points on 5-for-11 field goals. Washington's struggles offensively have been well documented since he arrived in Dallas, but that doesn't mean he hasn't been important to Dallas defensively.
Washington can improve on his 3-point shooting in future seasons, and he has had multiple 40-plus point performances during his tenure, so he will be a versatile third-level scorer when he hits his stride. I've seen what I can do. Charlotte.
With all of this in mind, it's clear that the Mavericks made the right decision at the trade deadline to acquire Washington in exchange for Grant Williams, Seth Curry, and a 2027 first-round pick. Even if you don't agree that Washington still has a chance in Dallas if his offensive game gets back on track, no one can deny that the Mavericks were very wise to release Grant Williams. right.
Williams got off to a good start in his tenure in Dallas, but Williams' under-rated play on both sides of the ball and his “loud” antics on the court led to fans dissing him from the Mavs organization. There was growing skepticism about his position within the country. It is often implemented in ill-timed scenarios.
Williams is still starting in Charlotte after Draymond Green recently reprimanded him for stepping into and escalating a scuffle between Miles Bridges and Lester Quinones at the end of a Warriors-Hornets game. This is further proof that Williams is not the right fit for Dallas. His gimmicks and inconsistent play didn't fit the mold of an athletic, two-way wing Dallas wanted at the No. 4 position.
Draymond: “I don't understand why people get so mad about someone scoring at the end of a game. It's like a stupid unwritten rule.”
“(Grant Williams) being a tough guy is definitely going in the wrong direction for him… If you talk too much, it's like getting kicked out of Dallas.”pic.twitter.com/ctsSIX1haw
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) February 24, 2024
After getting off to a very strong start to his tenure in Charlotte, Williams has cooled down over the last two games and has taken on a similar role off the bench as he did in the latter half of his time in Dallas. At first glance, Williams didn't seem to take too kindly to this trade, so it'll be interesting to see what happens the next time the Mavericks face the Hornets.
Stay tuned for more information about the Dallas Mavericks, as we will keep you informed.
