5 roster moves the Charlotte Hornets need to make this offseason: 2. Pick up PJ Washington’s option and extend.
Over the first three seasons of his career, PJ Washington has served the Hornets well. He has averaged 11.8 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.0 blocks, and 0.9 steals in 29.3 minutes per game. It is this ability to fill up the box score which makes him so valuable.
He has also been valuable for the Hornets with his ability to space the floor. Over the past three seasons, Washington has been a tremendous shooter from behind the three-point line, shooting the long-ball at 37.5 percent, which is a really good number for a stretch-four.
At 6’7, Washington is an undersized power forward, but his energy and athleticism more than make up for his lack of size. This is evidenced by the fact he averages 5.7 rebounds per game on a team with a multitude of rebounding options.
Given the Hornets only have $108.7 million worth of contracts on their books, Washington’s $5.8 million gives them plenty of room to work with. They have some important players to re-sign and if they could lure a star free agent, then this team is poised for good things in the coming seasons.
Washington is also eligible for his rookie contract extension this offseason. If the Hornets can lock him in for the coming years then they will be in a good place.