P.J. Washington

Washington is an American forward who has developed into a key rotation player and starter in the NBA after being selected in the first round in 2019. Known for his three-point shooting, defensive versatility, and interior scoring, he spent four and a half seasons with the Charlotte Hornets before a trade sent him to the Dallas Mavericks, where he became a starter and helped the team reach the 2024 NBA Finals.

Born Paul Jamaine Washington Jr. on August 23, 1998, in Louisville, Kentucky, his family moved to St. Louis and Chicago before settling in Frisco, Texas. He attended Prime Prep Academy in Dallas, then transferred to Findlay Prep in Henderson, Nevada. As a junior, he averaged 16.8 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 4.0 assists. As a senior, he averaged 19.6 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 6.1 assists and was selected to the Jordan Brand Classic and McDonald's All-American Game. He was rated a five-star recruit and committed to Kentucky on November 10, 2016.

At Kentucky, Washington averaged 10.8 points and 5.7 rebounds as a freshman. He declared for the NBA draft but returned for his sophomore season. As a sophomore, he averaged 15.2 points and 7.5 rebounds and helped Kentucky reach the NCAA tournament. After the season, he declared for the 2019 NBA draft.

The Charlotte Hornets selected Washington with the 12th overall pick in 2019. He made his NBA debut on October 23, 2019, scoring 27 points with seven three-pointers, the most in an NBA debut in league history. On February 28, 2021, he scored a then career-high 42 points against the Sacramento Kings. On March 28, 2023, he scored a career-high 43 points against the Oklahoma City Thunder. He signed a three-year, $48 million contract with the Hornets on August 29, 2023. On February 8, 2024, he was traded to the Dallas Mavericks.

Washington is a versatile forward with three-point range, interior scoring, and defensive versatility. He scores on spot-up threes, post moves, and drives to the basket. His size allows him to guard multiple positions, and his offensive skill set makes him a valuable complementary piece on playoff teams.