<\/p>\n
Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington (25) poses during media day on Friday, Sept. 25, 2026 at American Airlines Center in Dallas.<\/p>\n
Shafkat Anowar\/The Dallas Morning News<\/p>\n
P.J. Washington\u2019s one-word answer to a question during media day crystallized his primary goal for this season.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
What do the Dallas Mavericks<\/a> need to be great?<\/p>\n \u201cHealth,\u201d the forward said.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n The Mavericks have endured great injury misfortune since their 2024 NBA Finals run. Once known as an ironman, Washington has played in just 56 and 57 games over the last two seasons, respectively. It\u2019s the lowest amount for the eighth-year forward since he appeared in 58 games as a rookie in 2019-20.<\/p>\n Washington spent the majority of his offseason prioritizing his 3-point shot, but he dedicated just as much time to ensuring his body was ready for the rigors of another 82-game schedule.<\/p>\n \u201cFor me, the biggest thing I really wanted to focus on was the weight room,\u201d Washington said. \u201cJust trying to be in there every day and do something to stay consistent and just trying to help my body. Obviously, the last few years have been tough for me staying on the floor, so that\u2019s all I\u2019ve been worrying about and that\u2019s the biggest thing I wanted to do this year, is be more healthy and be more available for my guys.\u201d<\/p>\n Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington (25) reacts after a dunk during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the LA Clippers at American Airlines Center on Saturday, March 21, 2026, in Dallas. The Clippers defeated the Mavericks 138-131.<\/p>\n El\u00edas Valverde II\/Staff Photographer<\/p>\n When healthy, Washington is one of the most valuable Mavericks. He averaged 14.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.0 steal and 1.1 blocks last season despite missing 26 games.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Washington\u2019s value extends to both sides of the court. He can finish at the rim and create advantages based on mismatches with smaller or taller defenders. His defense may be his most valuable strength, as he can contest and block shots with precision, while also disrupting offenses with deflections and steals.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u201cWe\u2019ve gotten a little bit of everything out of P.J.,\u201d Mavericks coach\u00a0Dusty May<\/a> said. \u201cHe\u2019s someone that checks a lot of boxes. If you want to play small lineup, he can play the [center position]. He could play the [small forward position] in a bigger lineup. We need his physicality. We need his basketball instincts. He\u2019s a quick thinker. Defensively, he knows what to do at all times. We\u00a0gotta get him to use his voice a little more to share his knowledge with the group, but he\u2019s going to help us.\u201d<\/p>\n Once a promising young wing with two-way upside, Washington has evolved into a veteran and one of the most physical players in the NBA. He\u2019s experienced playoff droughts in Charlotte, a\u00a0Finals run in his first couple of months with the Mavericks and the turmoil of the last couple of seasons. He\u2019s gained enough perspective to help his teammates, and he plans to use his voice more often this season.<\/p>\n \u201cIt means a lot more now,\u201d Washington said. \u201cFor me, I think that\u2019s going to be my biggest transition through the year, is making sure I\u2019m a helping hand on the floor and off the floor for the guys.\u201d<\/p>\n Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington cheers as guard Ryan Nembhard is interviewed after a victory over the Chicago Bulls in an NBA basketball game at American Airlines Center on Sunday, April 12, 2026, in Dallas.<\/p>\n Smiley N. Pool\/The Dallas Morning News<\/p>\n The area of Washington\u2019s game with the most room for improvement extends to the 3-point line. Last season was one of Washington\u2019s worst from beyond the arc. He was just 32.5% from 3-point range after producing one of his best perimeter shooting seasons in 2024-25, when he made 38.1% of his triples.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n He\u2019ll have plenty of opportunities to be the beneficiary of open looks this season because of Cooper Flagg<\/a> and Kyrie Irving<\/a>\u2019s gravity on offense.<\/p>\n \u201cI think it\u2019s great for me and great for the team when I can hit the 3-ball at a consistent rate,\u201d Washington said. \u201cIt opens the floor for a lot of us. Teams gotta guard me out there, and obviously I\u2019ll have more driving lanes and more ways to create for others. For me, my biggest thing is trying to stay upright and get the ball out the same way every single time.\u201d<\/p>\n Under the previous coaching staff, Washington was a staple in the Mavericks’ first unit with 137 starts in 142 appearances. He\u2019s a candidate to retain his role with the starters<\/a> because of his two-way versatility, May has said. Last week, Washington said his priority lies in winning, not whether he starts or comes off the bench.<\/p>\n Asked PJ Washington if he still cared about starting\/coming off the bench as he enters Year 8:<\/p>\n \u201cMy biggest thing is winning, whether I\u2019m starting or not. I\u2019ve been on so many losing teams. I\u2019ve been to the playoffs one time in my career\u2026I just want to turn that around & get to\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/hmfQFTAXES<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n