NBA Draft offers Mavericks the perfect way out of their P.J. Washington problem

The NBA Draft is less than a month away, and it is the perfect opportunity for the Dallas Mavericks to strengthen their roster with someone like Yaxel Lendeborg with the ninth overall pick. The young forward would help boost their frontcourt significantly, most notably at the forward position. It's an area P.J. Washington has struggled to hold down, especially with his injuries, random shooting slumps, and rough fit alongside Cooper Flagg.

His fit with Flagg is the biggest problem, and they can't ignore it much longer. He's under contract for four more years, making their case to move on this summer stronger. They can't waste any time in the Flagg era, and with Lendeborg projected to be on the board at No. 9, this would give the Mavericks an outlet to replace Washington before potentially trading him later in the summer.

P.J. Washington has gone downhill over the last few years

Being a rough fit with the team's 19-year-old prodigy, along with being injury-prone, is a major problem for a team looking to build a promising future. His days in Dallas may be numbered, but it wasn't always like this.

Washington was an important figure during the Mavs' 2024 NBA Finals run. He, along with Daniel Gafford, helped solidify Dallas' defensive persona. However, both players have taken a step back, and their health has been a real concern.

It's again why Dallas could heavily focus on the forward spot in the draft. They need stability alongside Flagg. Lendeborg offers them a young forward with more potential than the 27-year-old Washington. Plus, his high scoring and versatility are a huge step up from Washington.

P.J. Washington's long-term fit is too problematic for Dallas to bear

Last year, P.J. Washington signed a four-year, $90 million extension with the Mavericks. It was a no-brainer move, as he was instrumental during Dallas' playoff run in 2024. He averaged 17.7 points per game and shot 46.9 percent from the 3-point line during the Western Conference Semifinals against the Oklahoma City Thunder, showing he can be an elite role player.

Washington continued to progress in the 2024-25 season, averaging a steal and a block per game defensively. So, his two-way capabilities made him an asset for Dallas.

Yet, it seems like the Washington honeymoon era in Dallas might be over. Last season, Washington struggled to fit alongside Flagg. He struggled to play well with the Mavs' rookie. Offensively, Washington has struggled to be himself, as his shooting numbers have taken a hit.

Washington has been a poor complement to Flagg and has not been the defensive floor general the team once had. One issue, though, could be his recent string of injuries.

He missed 26 games last season due to various issues, including head and ankle issues. Washington missed four games in November after a right ankle sprain that occurred before tipoff. He missed another four games in January due to aggravating his right ankle again.

The worst part came towards the end of the season when he sat out the final four games because of a left elbow injury. His recent injuries have become an issue for the team, and this could be among the reasons why they may look to trade him.

Yaxel Lendeborg would be the perfect solution

The Mavs have a perfect solution to their Washington dilemma.

Dallas could look to use the draft to find Washington's replacement, as Michigan forward Yaxel Lendeborg is the total package. He brings plenty of versatility, defense, and shooting to a team looking to build future assets around Flagg.

The young forward could be a nice complement to Flagg. He is a two-way player with plenty of size and a high basketball IQ. Last season, Lendeborg was a major contributor in Michigan's championship run, especially with his high 3-point shooting.

Lendeborg shot 46.7 percent from the 3-point line during the NCAA Tournament. He had three games where he shot above 60 percent from long range. His best game came during the Final Four when Lendeborg knocked down all four of his 3-pointers against Arizona in a huge win.

Offensively, he also excels in other areas. Lendeborg is highly efficient at the rim, especially with his quick put-back skills. He can read the ball easily when it's coming off the rim and find second chances. Plus, his pick-and-roll game continues to grow, making him a threat inside. So, unlike Washington, Lendeborg has plenty of opportunity to develop his offensive game.

On the other hand, his defensive skills make him a perfect two-way forward. Lendeborg is 6-foot-9 with a 7-foot-3 wingspan. This allows him to guard multiple positions, as he has a sizable frame, and he can contest anyone on the court. His massive wingspan also makes things hard for scorers, as Lendeborg can be highly disruptive with players inside the post.

The reality is that Yaxel Lendgeborg could be a huge improvement from P.J. Washington, and he could also easily complement the Mavericks' newly constructed roster. The young forward and Cooper Flagg could give Dallas a dangerous forward duo that the team lacked with Washington last season.

So, buckle up, Mavs fans. The draft board will be full of endless possibilities. Yaxel Lendeborg, though, could be the best option on the wing for a team looking to build for the future.

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