It’s hard not to get super excited about the Charlotte Hornets‘ future when it comes to P.J. Washington.
Taken 12th overall in the 2019 NBA Draft, Washington has already imposed his will in the paint in tremendous fashion, making life very difficult for opposing defenses. The 6’8 power forward has shown off a sensational right-hand jump-hook shot that will be used as his bread and butter for many seasons down the road.
Washington didn’t really make a ton of progress looking back from his rookie year in the league to his sophomore season. In 64 total games, the Kentucky Wildcat product averaged 12.9 points per game, while shooting 44.0% from the field.
Those numbers were nearly identical from his rookie year when Washington averaged 12.2 points per game and shot 45.5% from the field.
The one stat that does jump out is Washington’s free-throw percentage. Going from just 64.7% in his rookie days with the Hornets, Washington bumped that number up all the way to 74.5% in just one year.
We can’t do a Washington season review without glorifying his 42 point night against the Sacramento Kings. This game against the Kings still gives me goosebumps, as the Hornets had to continue to dig to make one of the best comebacks in franchise history.
Washington even showed off his unique three-ball late in the game to give Charlotte their biggest win of the season. There’s clearly no shortage of confidence when it comes to Washington’s game, and that will continue to grow like a well-watered garden over time.
It’s only been two seasons in the league and a ton of progress in his development has already been made. Now, in terms of areas that need improvement, his main focus has to be on the defensive side of the ball.
Playing the power forward position, Washington does a decent enough job guarding in the post. However, there is definitely room for improvement when guarding the perimeter.
Charlotte was exposed by the Indiana Pacers in the NBA Play-In Tournament game that saw them get blown out 144-117. This isn’t a game Washington will enjoy watching the film on, as the Pacers were able to find ways to attack Washington in the paint to get several easy lay-ups.
Overall, Washington simply doesn’t get enough love ever since coming out of the 2019 NBA Draft but it’s a pick that the Hornets have to be super happy with.
There is a ton of promise down the road, Washington will be a main part of the core currently being built in Charlotte, and if the defensive areas of his game improve, the sky is the limit.
P.J. WASHINGTON’S 2020-21 SEASON GRADE: B-