Key Mavericks starter perfecting skill to make Dallas' offense unstoppable

Just over a month ago, the Dallas Mavericks lost Game 5 of the 2024 NBA Finals to the Boston Celtics, and their offense crumbled down the stretch in this series.

Although Dallas played a dominant Game 4, their shooting was poor in this series and the role players didn't step up when they were needed most. P.J. Washington in particular struggled some as a shooter in this series, as he shot 27.3 percent from downtown.

The Mavericks are reworking Washington's jumper this summer and he is expected to continue to get plenty of open looks considering the attention that Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving draw. Washington improved tremendously as a shooter during these playoffs and was even the third star for the Mavs against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

P.J. Washington is dialed in on becoming a better ball handler and creator

While Washington is seemingly focused on improving his 3-point shooting, there is one other thing that he wants to add to his game that would make the Mavs offense unstoppable.

Washington said that he is focused on improving his handle and using it to create more offense for those around him and himself.

If Washington can become more comfortable with the ball in his hands and become a better creator, the sky is the limit for the Mavericks and how they can use him. Considering that the Mavs have two elite creators in the starting lineup in Doncic and Irving, adding another one would make this offense scary.

Washington developing as a point forward would allow Dallas to trust him more with ball-handling duties, and while that would allow him to create for his teammates, it would help add another dimension to his offensive game.

Washington could be played through much more, and rather than just being a 3-point shooter he'd become an offensive hub that can be relied upon for anything. This would of course take tons of development, but Washington improved at attacking the rim last season and his floater is pure.

If he becomes more comfortable with the ball in his hands, that will allow him to be a third initiator when needed and would help take pressure off Doncic and Irving. This won't come right away, but a step in the right direction would be huge for the Mavs.

The Mavs need Washington to continue to develop, and him becoming a better ball handler and creator for himself and others would be a dream come true to cap off an already elite offseason.

For all the latest on P.J. Washington and the Dallas Mavericks this offseason, stay tuned as we'll have you covered.