4 players who need to step up for the Charlotte Hornets this season

3. P.J. Washington needs to step up for the Charlotte Hornets

The most likely candidate for an expanded role is P.J. Washington, who like McDaniels, has an immense financial incentive to take a step in his fourth season. A 6-foot-7 stretch forward with a stout frame and profound quickness for his position, Washington’s output has largely been the same through three NBA seasons.

He’s an effective floor spacer and 3-point shooter who is at his best when trailing into a spot-up jumper or nailing triples off the pick-and-pop. The former lottery pick is also able to put his back to the basket and muscle his way into a baby hook or floater outside of the restricted area. To this point, Washington has been a disappointing finisher at the rim. As a consolation, he fights for his own misses and sometimes connects on the second shot, but his career would look a lot different if Washington started hitting those layups on the first attempt.

There are some quirks to Washington’s game that make him continually exciting at just 24. Sneakily, Washington is a talented passer who finds teammates rotating around the perimeter through small windows from the high or low posts. Boasting a near 7-foot-3 wingspan, Washington is an effective and mobile defender who graded out as an A- or better in post defense, overall rim protection, and both blocks and steals per 75 possessions. It’s also worth noting that he was second on the team in on/off differential per 100 possessions.

On both sides of the floor, Washington’s skills are needed more than ever. If it all works out, he’s going to earn a hefty contract — whether it’s from the Hornets or another team entirely.