Where P.J. Washington’s rookie season stacks up among other Hornets forwards

P.J. Washington wasn’t a highly-touted rookie, but he could eventually be one of the leaders for the Charlotte Hornets.

When comparing P.J. to other rookies not named Larry Johnson, his stats match up very favorably. Let’s look at some of the more recognizable names taken.

J.R. Reid was drafted fifth overall in 1989 out of UNC and was very solid in his first year, averaging 11 points and almost nine boards a game. Sadly, that would end up being his best year in the league. He ended up being a solid option off the bench behind the aforementioned L.J., but worthy of a fifth pick, his play was not.

Jamaal Magloire was another talented forward taken out of Kentucky and while he would eventually become an All-Star with the New Orleans Hornets, it was well after his rookie season. In his first year, Magloire put up just five points and four rebounds a night for a Hornets team that would be relocated in the next few years.

Another Tar Heel, Sean May, could have been a solid forward, but ultimately injuries destroyed any potential he would have. Fresh off a National Championship and winning Most Outstanding Player honors, May was drafted 13th overall by the Bobcats, but played in just 23 games during his rookie campaign, scoring just eight points and snagging five boards per game.

Tobias Harris is another forward drafted by the Bobcats in the very same draft in which Kemba Walker was selected. He turned out great, but it was for another team as he was unfortunately traded that very same night.

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is a name we’re all familiar with and his rookie season was adequate, putting up nine points and six rebounds per contest. He went on to have a somewhat middling career, of course.

Then, you have his current teammate, Miles Bridges, who actually wasn’t drafted by Charlotte, but still ended up in a Hornets uniform via another draft-night trade. Even his rookie season didn’t compare to P.J.’s, but Miles would show much improvement during his second season, finishing third on the team in points and rebounds.

So, Washington’s rookie season isn’t the best compared to big names like Ja Morant or Zion Williamson, but very few players at his position have performed better in a Charlotte jersey in their first year.

In terms of his fellow rookies, P.J. ranks 5th in total rebounds, 11th in total points, and among players who played in at least 25 points a game while appearing in at least 25 total games, he has the lowest allowed field-goal percentage. It’s not a great percentage, at 65%, but it’s a nice starting off point for a rookie who often saw minutes between three different positions.

It may be too early to tell if Washington can be anything more than what he showed this past season, but his rookie affair has many fans feeling optimistic. Here’s hoping he can avoid a sophomore slump for the Charlotte Hornets.