Mavericks' P.J. Washington's weakness is worrisome, but fans overlook his strength

The Dallas Mavericks made two moves at the NBA's trade deadline that completely altered the team for the better.

Dallas' first trade of the day was for Daniel Gafford. This trade gave the Mavs another big man who can start or play off the bench, and his energy has been massive for this team thus far.

The second trade of the day was for P.J. Washington. This move gave the Mavs someone who can play three through five, stretch the floor, and guard the other team's best player. Mavs fans were ecstatic that Dallas traded for Washington, as he is someone who they wanted the Mavs to pursue over the summer.

Mavericks' P.J. Washington's weakness is worrisome, but fans overlook his strength

Dallas opted to not pursue him during his restricted free agency over the offseason, but he joined the squad at the perfect time. Washington's time in Dallas has been short, but there have already been some pits and peaks.

The biggest story as of late when it comes to Washington is his struggles as a 3-point shooter. Washington is shooting 25.3 percent from downtown since joining Dallas on over five attempts per game. He's getting great looks all the way around the arc, often in the corner, but he hasn't been able to find consistency as a shooter yet.

He is shooting 16.1 percent from the corners on nearly two attempts per game as a Maverick. Washington is getting great looks from the corners, but it is evident that his weakness as a shooter is from the corners. This is something he will need to improve upon to be utilized effectively next to Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, but fans need to recognize his strength more before running to his weakness/slump as a shooter.

Washington's impact as a defender has been astronomical, and it's undeniable.

Washington can defend bigger forwards in the post, move his feet on the wing with athletic wings, and block shots like he's a five. He averages 1.0 steals and 0.9 blocks per game as a Mav, and his ability to alter every shot is excellent.

Washington uses his 6-foot-7 stocky frame to battle down low and utilizes his mammoth 7-foot-2 wingspan to his advantage. If someone tries to shoot a fadeaway or pull-up jumper over him, he always has his hand right in their face and does a great job of contesting the shot without fouling.

Washington's jumper will come along in Dallas, as he is a 35-percent 3-point shooter in his career, but he will be essential on this squad for years to come due to his ability to lock down the other team's best player at any time.

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