NBA role players who could become stars elsewhere: 28. PJ Washington
While the Charlotte Hornets are one of the young, fun teams to watch as they improve in front of fans’ eyes, PJ Washington finds himself in an interesting position. He has played in just nine games this season as the roster is learning to win. Miles Bridges is the young star on the team turning into an All-Star, thriving from playing alongside a masterful passer like LaMelo Ball. Given that they play the same position, Washington would theoretically move to center. Given that the team traded for Mason Plumlee while drafting Kai Jones and JT Thor, the fit there gets complicated as well.
However, PJ Washington still has a world of potential to take advantage of. In his first two seasons, he averaged 12.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.0 blocks per game. He was able to space the floor, knocking down 38.1 percent on 4.3 3-point attempts per game. Health and consistency would go a long way to establishing his stardom, but as we have seen this season with Bridges opportunity and patience helps as well.
The Charlotte Hornets made a telling choice with their roster decisions this offseason. Washington does not seem to be part of that future. Much like John Collins a season ago, Washington could be the kind of big man the next generation of playoff teams is built around.