Mavericks' new offensive wrinkle will make Jason Kidd's job a whole lot easier

The Dallas Mavericks are just days away from tipping off their 2025-26 NBA season, and some players are beginning to separate themselves as must-starts in Jason Kidd's rotation. While plenty of eyes have been on Cooper Flagg and rightfully so, as he has not disappointed in his four preseason games, P.J. Washington has quietly made a name for himself despite all of the pressure on him to develop a consistent 3-point shot this offseason.

Not only has Washington flexed his revamped shot from behind the arc from last summer by nailing multiple threes in the four games he has suited up for, but it's already clear to see that Washington has also sneakily added a bag to his offensive repertoire. Throughout his professional career, Washington has always been known as a player who can flash his handle to get to the spots on the floor that he needs to be in, but through four preseason games with the Mavericks, it's already clear that Washington has only further worked on his ball-handling capabilities.

With Washington adding a handle to his game, this not only makes him more startable, as the Mavericks are adding yet another offensive creator, but Washington has easily gotten shots inside the paint at will. Not only has Washington clearly demonstrated a willingness to dribble the ball and bring the rock up the floor, but he has also showcased his gym gains by moving opposing defenders out of the way in transition, which can only add another wrinkle to Kidd's offensive game.

P.J. Washington's offseason bag work only adds to Jason Kidd's offense

Since joining the Mavericks, Washington has generally been known as a player who can shoot the ball from deep somewhat consistently and as an elite defensive threat on the opposite end of the floor. What made Washington special was that he could not only earn the respect of defenses from behind the arc in certain games, but he could also put the ball on the floor and drive to the basket for easy buckets inside the paint or easy kickout passes to wide-open teammates.

While Washington's offensive game has never reached critical points to where he was unusable in the rotation, it was critical that he either became a consistent knockdown shooter from behind the arc or someone that offered more offensive versatility with his handle, and that's exactly what he did this summer. It may only be preseason, but it's already clear that Washington's improved handle has transformed him into a transition threat from all points on the floor.

Against the Los Angeles Lakers in Dallas' final preseason affair, Washington flashed his improved handle with a coast-to-coast drive that led to him lowering his shoulder and bulling the Lakers' defenders on the opposite end. Not only could Washington's newfound handle be a new wrinkle for Kidd to exploit on offense, but the Mavericks have already talked about playing quickly this season, and Washington appears to be more than ready for that.

Assuming this translates to the regular season, fans should not question when Washington begins to receive more offensive plays with him lowering his shoulder at the rim. Washington's ability to keep his dribble tight and on a string has virtually made him one of Dallas' best transition threats.

The Mavericks will still need Washington to stretch the floor with his three-point shots, but if fans should take anything away from Washington's preseason, it's that he is more willing than ever to put the ball on the floor and score tough baskets.