PJ Washington

Versatile and tough forward who has emerged as a key two-way contributor at multiple franchises, including Dallas Mavericks' 2024 Finals run.

Paul Jamaine Washington Jr. was born on 23 August 1998 in Louisville, Kentucky, to Sherry and Paul Washington Sr., who both played Division I basketball at Middle Tennessee State University, immersing him in the sport from an early age alongside his brothers Tyler and Spencer and sister Alexandria. The family later moved to Dallas, Texas, and Washington attended two different high schools before finishing at Findlay Prep in Henderson, Nevada, earning a McDonald's All-American selection. Washington played two seasons at the University of Kentucky, helping the Wildcats reach the Elite Eight as a freshman before an outstanding sophomore campaign, in which he averaged 15.2 points and 7.6 rebounds, earned him third-team All-American honours and a finalist spot for the Karl Malone Award as the nation's top power forward. The Charlotte Hornets selected Washington 12th overall in the 2019 NBA Draft, and he was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team after his debut season, developing into a versatile forward capable of both stretching the floor with three-point shooting and contributing defensively at multiple positions. Washington was traded to the Dallas Mavericks in February 2024, helping the team reach that year's NBA Finals, and set a career high of 43 points in a 2023 game against Oklahoma City while with Charlotte. He has continued to be a reliable starting forward for Dallas, renowned for his combination of size, shooting touch, and defensive versatility.

Stretch forward with three-point range, strong rebounder, versatile defender

Solid two-way player known for three-point shooting and defensive versatility

• NBA Finals 2024 (runner-up)