Grading every Dallas Mavericks player ahead of 2024 NBA Playoffs

13. P.J. Washington

The Dallas Mavericks made a huge move at the 2024 NBA trade deadline when they traded for P.J. Washington from the Charlotte Hornets. Dallas needed a Grant Williams upgrade badly, and Washington was exactly what the Mavs needed out of their starting power forward.

As a Maverick, Washington averaged 11.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.9 blocks per game while shooting 42.1 percent from the field and 31.4 percent from downtown. Washington was elite defensively during every game he played for Dallas, and his ability to battle in the post while also staying in front of quicker players was remarkable.

Washington's ability to shut down the other team's best player will be crucial in the playoffs, and his offensive game has also improved since he got to Dallas. He has been through plenty of struggles as a shooter since being traded to Dallas, but he is shooting much better lately. Washington shot 37.5 percent from downtown in April, and his ability to knock down open shots will be needed in the playoffs.

Washington also has a nice floater, and he is an underrated scorer in the paint. Him attacking the rim is something that the Mavs will need to see more of during the playoffs, as it gives him a much more well-rounded offensive game.

Washington gets a B+ for his time in Dallas, and he remains one of the most important players on the squad heading into the 2024 NBA Playoffs.