P.J. Washington Eyes Finals Run With Mavericks’ New-Look Core

P.J. Washington #25 of the Dallas Mavericks (Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)

P.J. Washington is eagerly anticipating the upcoming season with the Dallas Mavericks.

The 6-foot-6 forward is coming off a banner year in which he posted career highs in points, rebounds, assists and steals. A key part of a Mavericks core just one year removed from an NBA Finals appearance, Washington is focused on making another deep playoff run.

Adding to the excitement is the arrival of 6-foot-9 phenom Cooper Flagg, whom the Mavericks selected with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.

Dallas also recently signed Kyrie Irving and Daniel Gafford to three-year contract extensions, further cementing its commitment to contention following a disappointing 2024–25 campaign.

“Extremely high expectations,” Washington said in a one-on-one interview with RG.

“We have a great team—a lot of guys who want to win, a lot of guys who love working. The extensions I thought were necessary, obviously. Kyrie is a great player, and so is Daniel. They really mean a lot to our team. Just having those guys back is going to be great. And especially with Cooper this year, I just can’t wait to get everybody on the court and playing together.”

Looking to Rebound After Injury-Riddled Season

Washington was acquired midway through the 2023–24 season after spending his first five seasons with the Charlotte Hornets. Dallas immediately improved following the trade, finishing the regular season 21–7 and making a surprise run to the Finals as the fifth seed.

But the 2024–25 season was derailed by injuries, despite the team spending much of the first half in strong playoff position. Following the blockbuster Luka Dončić-for-Anthony Davis trade, Davis suffered an injury in his first game with Dallas, while Irving was ruled out for the season in early March.

Dereck Lively II was limited to just 36 games. Gafford and Washington each appeared in only 57. The Mavericks ultimately lost their play-in game after entering the tournament as the No. 10 seed.

“Honestly, I took a step back and realized pretty much everybody that went to the Finals got hurt that season,” Washington said. “So for us, it was pretty tough. But I felt like our guys fought through it, and we got better throughout the season. I’m just excited for this one.”

Cooper Flagg Called a “Generational Player”

The potential difference-maker for Dallas is Flagg, who was named national player of the year in college basketball last season and led Duke to the Final Four. Flagg averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.4 blocks per game.

“I think Cooper’s very good,” Washington said. “I think he’s a really good player. Obviously, he’s going to have a chance to be something really special here in Dallas. I’m super glad because he has the opportunity to play with Kyrie, A.D. and the rest of the guys. Everybody’s excited—the whole city is excited—and we can’t wait to get him here.”

When asked for a player comparison, Washington said Flagg is “one of a kind.”

“Honestly, I think it’s kind of odd to try and compare him,” he said.

“He can pretty much do everything at an elite level. At his age, that’s what separates him. He has great length, he’s tall, and he can play both ends of the floor—obviously what you want. I just think he’s a generational player.”

Coming off a 39–43 season—their second losing campaign in the last six—Dallas is now a popular pick to contend again. ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith recently said the Mavericks could be “favorites” with Flagg.

Washington agrees.

“I think we definitely have the pieces,” he said when asked if the Mavericks can make another Finals run. “We have the talent. It’s just about staying healthy and staying together. If we have a great training camp and a great beginning to the season, the sky’s the limit for us. Just being able to get that recognition and concentration—and everybody focused and having the same goal—I think we’ll be where we want to.”