Hornets: PJ Washington receives high praise from LA’s Patrick Patterson

Prior to Monday’s loss to Los Angeles, Clippers forward Patrick Patterson spoke highly of Charlotte Hornets rookie PJ Washington.

It’s safe to say that over the course of the first four games of the regular season, PJ Washington has opened some eyes. The Charlotte Hornets rookie has quickly exceeded expectations, and it hasn’t gone unnoticed from the fan base, as well as his peers around the league.

Before playing the Clippers in Los Angeles on Monday night, Washington was a topic of discussion during an interview with veteran Patrick Patterson. Both Washington and Patterson played their college basketball at Kentucky, so there is some familiarity there.

Here’s what Patterson had to say about Charlotte’s rookie stud, via Law Murphy on Twitter:

"“I follow all my Kentucky boys. Him, you know, he’s a freak of nature. He can jump, alley-oops, post up real well. His three-point shot has improved since college, and he’s shooting it with confidence and it’s going down. He’s able to handle it, push it in transition, so he can do a little bit of everything out there. I’m very impressed with his game, impressed with his progression, impressed with his mentality and IQ out there… I am happy with his improvement, always root for my Kentucky boys, no matter what.”"

Patterson has established himself as a savvy veteran who has been in the league for a decade now. This is some high praise for Washington, and it’s cool to see him getting noticed by other players, even if it’s a former Kentucky guy, who could have a little bias.

His stats don’t jump out at you, but Patterson has made a key impact on each team he has been on during his career, on and off the court.

In the first four games of the season, Washington has averaged 14.0 points and 6.8 rebounds while shooting 50 percent (11-22) from the three-point line. He earned the starting power forward spot after a strong preseason, and I have the feeling that he won’t let that spot go any time soon.

During the pre-draft process, I was a big fan of Washington. I thought he’d have a long career as a starter and someone that could one day be an elite complimentary piece. I didn’t anticipate him getting off to such a quick start, especially since he’s coming off a foot injury that bothered him in college and lingered over the summer.

I think PJ caught everyone off guard after dropping 27 points and seven three-pointers in the season opening win over Chicago. From that moment, he’s been earning more and more fans as the days pass.

I agree with everything that Patterson said about Washington. He really does have a unique skill set that fits well in today’s NBA. He’s a playmaking stretch-four that can put the ball on the deck, rebound the ball and finish strong.

He also doesn’t shy away from contact, which I love. He’s a strong, physical kid that is only going to get better. He’s a huge piece to this young core that have the Charlotte Hornets organization and fan base so excited for the future.

If PJ Washington can keep playing at this level, I don’t think this will be the last time we hear an opposing player praising his game.