P.J. Washington Available Sunday, Poised for Complementary Role with Mavericks

P.J. Washington (shoulder) is available for Sunday's game against the Trail Blazers. After a mid-season trade from the Hornets, Washington reached the NBA Finals with the Mavericks. He averaged 11.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.2 steals in 32.2 minutes during the regular season, improving to 13.0 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.5 steals-plus-blocks in the playoffs, despite shooting 42.7 percent from the field and 34.8 percent from three. His starting role in the Mavericks' frontcourt is secure, but he's expected to be a complementary piece to Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, and Klay Thompson. Washington previously signed a three-year deal with the Hornets and was a top-100 player in 2022-23, averaging 15.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, 0.9 steals, 1.1 blocks, and 2.0 three-pointers. Drafted 12th overall in 2019, his career has seen him transition between starting and reserve roles, showcasing versatility as a three-and-D option.