Charlotte Hornets: Five Reasons for Fans to be Optimistic
By River Rhodes
PJ Washington’s Potential
PJ Washington was the Charlotte Hornet’s choice with the 12th pick in the 2019 draft. Washington was touted as a five-star recruit in high school. While in college, Washington was selected to the All-American Third Team.
The Kentucky power forward immediately made a splash, recording 15.8 points and 7.0 rebounds per game in October, while scoring 27 points in his very first game. Washington’s stats stabilized to a still respectable 12.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.1 assists as the season continued.
Perhaps the most impressive part of Washington’s rookie season is that he has shown no evidence of hitting the so-called “rookie wall” that many first-year players encounter.
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In fact, in March, Washington’s points per game average had climbed back to 15, his highest since October. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Washington’s season has come to a premature end.
Assuming the season does not resume, Washington has done enough to position himself in the conversation for an All-Rookie team.
Washington would be the first rookie to earn the accolade as a member of the Charlotte Hornets since Cody Zeller in 2014. It may be too early to call the young player a future All-Star, but the potential is definitely there.