PJ Washington Finds Comfort Zone as Mavericks Offense Initiator

Dallas Mavericks Point Guard PJ Washington is comfortable initiating the Mavericks’ offense. Washington, 26, has been playing for the Mavericks since February 2024. The Louisville, Kentucky-born, Frisco, Texas-bred power forward played five seasons with the Charlotte Hornets from October 2019 to February 2024.

In short, the Hornets traded Washington to the Mavericks at the 2024 NBA Trade Deadline and helped the team advance to the 2024 NBA Finals. Here’s what you need to know about Washington’s comfort in initiating the Mavericks’ offense.

PJ Washington’s Script

NBA Opening Day is just around the corner. However, Dallas Mavericks Power Forward PJ Washington already scripted what he wants in the 2024-25 NBA season. Washington reportedly wants Shooting Guard Klay Thompson, to succeed and thrive in Dallas, Texas.

Washington told Mavs.com, “I just can’t wait for Klay [Thompson] to get his first points, and for the city (Dallas) to embrace him, and for him to start feeling comfortable here in Dallas … It’s exciting for us, exciting to be a Mavs fan right now, and we’re just trying to get back to where we were last year.”

The Mavericks will host the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. Central. Last year, the Mavericks advanced to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2011 but lost to the Boston Celtics in five games. Washington and Power Forward Daniel Gafford were two midseason acquisitions critical for the Mavericks’ trip to the Finals.

Washington Can Become Better

PJ Washington reportedly believes he can become even better than before. Most recently, Washington experienced an entire training camp with the Dallas Mavericks. Washington’s reported belief can help him have a more meaningful impact on the Mavericks’ franchise.

Washington told Mavs.com, “It’s nice just being able to be more comfortable and learn the guys and learn how they play, and just being able to mesh and fit our playing styles together, and then play the game we want to play every night … So, it feels good.”

In addition, Washington used the Mavericks’ offseason and training camp to add other elements to his existing game. Washington’s addition of elements can help Mavericks Head Coach Jason Kidd feel good about the Kentucky alum. Kidd, 51, told Mavs.com, “He’s comfortable with being able to start the offense, being able to bring the ball (up the court) off the miss, and being able to play-make. For the short time that he’s been out there, he looks great. Again, we’re going to lean on him to do a lot for us.”

Washington Admits In Retrospect

PJ Washington admitted a few things in retrospect. Washington said his offseason workout schedule was all about “just being more comfortable with handling the ball and being able to score through the elbow, and being versatile on the defensive end. Just pretty much a little bit of everything.”

The Finlay Prep (Henderson, Nevada) alum also said that he wants – and expects — the Dallas Mavericks to be more aggressive on the defensive end of the floor, and bring a pit-bull mentality to every game, whether at home or on the road.