Swarm and Sting
Fansided

The Three Biggest X-Factors for the 2022-23 Charlotte Hornets

By Evan Birchmore

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 26: P.J. Washington #25 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts with teammates Gordon Hayward #20 and Kelly Oubre Jr. #12 during the second half of the game at Spectrum Center on November 26, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 26: P.J. Washington #25 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts with teammates Gordon Hayward #20 and Kelly Oubre Jr. #12 during the second half of the game at Spectrum Center on November 26, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) /
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CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – MARCH 19: P.J. Washington #25 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts after making a basket against the Dallas Mavericks in the third quarter during their game at Spectrum Center on March 19, 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – MARCH 19: P.J. Washington #25 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts after making a basket against the Dallas Mavericks in the third quarter during their game at Spectrum Center on March 19, 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) /

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.

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