P.J. Washington’s ascension
In many ways, P.J. Washington symbolizes the modern NBA. With his versatile 6’7″ frame, Washington can slide between playing forward in traditional lineups to playing center in small-ball lineups. He can defend in the post and can switch onto perimeter players when guarding the pick-and-roll heavy offenses so commonly seen throughout the league. Offensively, he is a reliable three-point shooter and can also score around the basket and run the floor in transition.
While Washington fits the archetype of the modern NBA player, he is far from a finished product. Now cast into the starting power forward spot in the wake of Miles Bridges’ legal uncertainty, expect Washington to command a higher spot within Charlotte’s offensive hierarchy this year. A season ago, he had a usage rate of just 15.4%, the 11th-highest mark on the team and the lowest usage rate of his career thus far.
While Washington has proven to be a reliable catch-and-shoot threat, particularly from three-point range, he has yet to show an ability to create his own offense on a consistent basis. Much of this comes from lack of opportunity, as playing alongside the likes of Devonte’ Graham, Terry Rozier, and LaMelo Ball has meant that Washington is not tasked with creating offense on a regular basis. However, finding more balance would be to his benefit; last season, 87.2% of Washington’s made field goals were assisted, the second-highest mark on the team behind only Kai Jones.