10 Key Facts About Mavericks Forward P.J. Washington, Highlighting His Connections to Dallas.
The Dallas Mavericks traded for P.J. Washington from the Charlotte Hornets just before the 2024 NBA trade deadline, sending Grant Williams, Seth Curry, and a protected 2027 first-round pick to Charlotte in return.
Washington’s addition energized the Mavericks, helping them finish the regular season strong. His impact continued into the playoffs, playing a key role in the Mavs’ journey to the 2024 NBA Finals.
Here are 10 important facts about Washington.
Washington is well-acquainted with the Dallas-Fort Worth area. He spent a season at Deion Sanders’ Prime Prep Academy before a short stint at Frisco Lone Star, although he never played for the Rangers. He finished his high school career at Findlay Prep in Las Vegas, Nevada.
He has a connection to Dallas, as it’s listed as his hometown in his player biography from his time at Kentucky, and he had set his location to Dallas on his X profile even before the Mavericks traded for him.
3. Star Player at Kentucky
Washington played two seasons at Kentucky from 2017-2019 and was a highly-rated five-star recruit coming out of high school. During his sophomore year, he averaged 15.2 points and 7.5 rebounds while shooting 52% from the field and 42% from beyond the arc. He was named to the NCAA Consensus All-America Third Team and was a finalist for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame’s Karl Malone Award, given to the top power forward in the nation. He was selected 12th overall by the Charlotte Hornets in the 2019 NBA Draft.
4. Memorable NBA Debut
Washington made an impressive debut in the NBA, scoring a team-high 27 points and leading the Hornets to a thrilling 126-125 victory. He hit seven three-pointers, setting an NBA record for most made in a debut.
5. Going Viral
During Game 3 of the Mavericks’ 2024 first-round playoff series against the Clippers, Washington became a viral sensation and a fan favorite. Early in the fourth quarter, a scuffle broke out, and Washington struck a memorable pose in front of the Clippers’ bench. “He came in and was telling me not to look at their bench,” Washington explained. “I decided to strike a pose and get some good pictures while doing it.” Later, he defended Luka Doncic from Russell Westbrook, resulting in both players being ejected.
6. Clutch Performance Against the Thunder
In the 2024 Western Conference semifinals against the Thunder, Washington played a crucial role for the Mavericks. His scoring was vital, leading the team with 29 points in Game 2, 27 points in Game 3, and 21 points in Game 4. Throughout the playoffs, he averaged 13 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.4 assists, shooting 42.7% from the field and 34.8% from three-point range.
