6 Mavericks in the running for NBA Awards (and their chances of winning)

1. P.J. Washington - All-Defensive Team

When the Dallas Mavericks traded for P.J. Washington at the trade deadline, fans didn't know exactly what to expect. Washington was having a solid season in Charlotte, but some fans were concerned that giving up a first-round pick in this deal was too much.

Washington has quickly proved that he was worth that first-round pick, and his impact on the defensive end has been huge. Washington is averaging 12.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game while shooting 42.8 percent from the field and 32.5 percent from downtown.

Although Washington has had some struggles as a shooter, he has been much better lately. He hit several huge threes in Dallas' overtime win over the Houston Rockets on Sunday and has constantly been in the gym working on his craft.

While his shooting has been a big improvement lately, his play on the defensive end is what has made him so valuable for Dallas and that's why he should be in the running for one of the NBA's All-Defensive Teams. He guards multiple positions, rebounds at a high rate, and often defends the best player on the other team.

His role will be crucial in the playoffs, as he will likely be defending the best player on the floor. He has helped turn the Mavericks defense into an elite unit, and his performance on that end of the floor is enough for him to be considered for one of the NBA's All-Defensive Teams.

Averaging a steal and a block is impressive on its own, and everything else that he does that doesn't come up on the stat sheet is also impressive.

Washington likely won't be in the top of conversation for making one of these teams, but if you look closely, it's obvious that he should be.

For all the latest on P.J. Washington and the Dallas Mavericks for the last three regular season games and the postseason, stay tuned.