How Mavericks' new forward P.J. Washington can exit his concerning slump

When the Dallas Mavericks traded for P.J. Washington at the trade deadline, it was a move that seemingly every Mavs fan loved.

Washington was someone who many Mavs fans wanted over the summer as he was a restricted free agent, but the Mavs didn't show interest in him. He ended up being one of their top targets at the trade deadline, and they were able to acquire him for Grant Williams, Seth Curry, and a 2027 first-round pick.

While this deal was focused on landing Washington, Dallas was also trying to get rid of Williams. He was talking way too much for the little production that he was having, and the Mavs traded him at the perfect time.

How Mavericks' new forward P.J. Washington can exit his concerning slump

While Washington has been excellent defensively, he has struggled offensively. He is averaging 8.0 points per game while shooting 37.2 percent from the field and 19.0 percent from downtown since being a Maverick.

He is getting plenty of open looks, but they haven't been falling. In order for Washington to exit his slump as a shooter, he must gain some confidence and make sure that he is always ready to shoot. Washington flashed some solid confidence in Dallas' game against the Suns, but in other games, he looks unconfident and not ready to shoot.

Washington could also be utilized as a screener more often in the pick and roll. When he was on the Charlotte Hornets, Washington was used as both a ball handler and a screener in the pick and roll. This isn't common in today's NBA, and the Mavs can unlock his potential by using him as a screener more.

Washington has a good floater that he can use out of the short roll and he is an underrated lob threat. The Mavs must find a way to get him involved in the offense even when he isn't hitting his shots, and this could be an easy way.

Dallas' next game is tonight against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

For all the latest on P.J. Washington and the Dallas Mavericks this season, stay tuned.