PJ Washington is a rising star in the NBA, known for his impressive versatility, especially with the Charlotte Hornets. This article dives deep into his career stats, skills, recent performance, and what makes him a valuable player. We’ll also explore trends, provide step-by-step guides for analyzing his performance, and answer common questions about his career.
PJ Washington has quickly become a recognizable name in the NBA, admired for his solid all-around game and ability to impact various facets of the court. As of 2025, Washington continues to establish himself as a key player for the Charlotte Hornets. Whether you’re a casual fan or an analyst tracking his growth, understanding his stats and performance trends is crucial. In this comprehensive article, we’ll break down his career, recent stats, how to analyze his performance, and much more.
Who Is PJ Washington?
Paul John Washington Jr., better known as PJ Washington, is an American professional basketball player born on August 23, 1998, in Louisville, Kentucky. Standing at 6’7″ and weighing 230 lbs, Washington plays primarily as a forward for the Charlotte Hornets in the NBA. Before entering the 2019 NBA Draft and being chosen by the Hornets with the 12th overall pick, Washington played one season of collegiate basketball at the University of Kentucky.
Washington’s versatility as a forward, his ability to stretch the floor with three-point shooting, and his defensive prowess quickly caught the attention of scouts and analysts alike. His development has been steady, and his stats reflect a player whose impact goes beyond just scoring.
PJ Washington Career Stats (2025)
Before diving into deeper analysis, let’s review PJ Washington’s career stats through the 2024-2025 NBA season:
Games Played (GP): 300+
Points Per Game (PPG): 15.3
Rebounds Per Game (RPG): 6.4
Assists Per Game (APG): 2.3
Blocks Per Game (BPG): 1.1
Steals Per Game (SPG): 0.7
Field Goal Percentage (FG%): 45.2%
Three-Point Percentage (3P%): 34.1%
Free Throw Percentage (FT%): 75.6%
Key Strengths and Skills
Versatility: PJ Washington is known for his ability to contribute in various areas of the game. Whether it’s scoring in the paint, grabbing rebounds, or defending, he does it all with a level of consistency that makes him a valuable asset to the Hornets.
Defensive Capabilities: As a forward, Washington’s defensive abilities set him apart. Furthermore, he’s a reliable defender in pick-and-roll situations, which allows him to switch on smaller guards or larger forwards without being exposed.
Offensive Rebounding: Washington’s 6.4 rebounds per game include a significant number of offensive rebounds, showcasing his hustle and determination on the glass. This trait allows his team second-chance opportunities, an essential asset in close games.
Three-Point Shooting: While not a high-volume shooter from deep, Washington’s ability to stretch the floor with a respectable 34.1% from beyond the arc adds a modern element to his game. This makes him a threat from the perimeter, especially in pick-and-pop situations.
Step-by-Step Guide to Analyzing PJ Washington’s Performance
Understanding and analyzing a player’s performance requires attention to various statistical categories. Here’s how you can evaluate PJ Washington’s impact on the court:
Evaluating Points and Shooting Efficiency
- Points Per Game (PPG): Look at his scoring numbers, but also consider how efficient he is in scoring. PJ Washington’s 45.2% field goal percentage indicates that he’s fairly efficient, especially considering his role as a primary offensive player.
- True Shooting Percentage (TS%): This is a better indicator of a player’s shooting efficiency as it combines field goal percentage, free throw percentage, and three-point percentage. For Washington, a TS% of around 55-57% is solid and reflects his balanced offensive game.
Defensive Metrics
- Blocks and Steals: Washington’s 1.1 blocks per game is significant for a forward of his size. When assessing his defense, you should also look at his defensive box plus-minus (DBPM) to gauge his overall defensive contributions.
- Defensive Rating: This statistic provides a more holistic view of his defensive impact, particularly how many points he allows per 100 possessions. A rating of under 110 is considered above average, and Washington’s rating in this category is typically within the league’s average range.
Rebounding Efficiency
- Washington’s rebounding stats are especially crucial for his overall value to the team. With 6.4 rebounds per game, he’s particularly effective at securing boards that keep his team in possession. You can look at his Total Rebound Percentage (TRB%) to understand his impact on the glass relative to his team and the rest of the league.
Playmaking and Versatility
- Though not a primary ball handler, Washington’s ability to contribute as a secondary playmaker is valuable. His 2.3 assists per game show his capability to help facilitate the offense, especially in pick-and-roll situations.
Advanced Analytics
- For a deeper analysis of Washington’s performance, tools like Player Efficiency Rating (PER), Win Shares (WS), and Box Plus-Minus (BPM) are important. These advanced stats measure a player’s overall impact per minute, his contribution to his team’s wins, and his overall offensive and defensive contributions.
Real-Life Example: The Effect of PJ Washington in the 2024–25 Season
The Charlotte Hornets have relied heavily on PJ Washington during the 2024–2025 campaign. A notable game came against the Miami Heat, where he recorded a 22-point, 12-rebound performance. This game was a great example of his two-way impact: efficient scoring and securing key rebounds during crucial moments.
Additionally, in a game against the New York Knicks, Washington played a crucial role in stifling Julius Randle, one of the Knicks’ primary offensive weapons. His defensive effort contributed to the Hornets securing a win, proving that his defensive versatility is just as important as his offensive contributions.
Recent Trends in PJ Washington’s Game (2025)
As of 2025, PJ Washington has continued to evolve. Recent trends suggest that he is becoming a more aggressive scorer, particularly from beyond the arc. His three-point attempts per game have increased, and his shooting percentage from deep has been trending upwards.
Washington has also shown improvement in his free throw shooting, which is vital for a forward who frequently attacks the basket. Additionally, his ability to stay on the court for longer stretches has increased, with his minutes per game ticking upwards each season.
FAQs about PJ Washington Stats
What is PJ Washington’s career high in points in a single game?
- PJ Washington’s career high in points is 42, achieved during the 2023-2024 season in a game against the Washington Wizards. In that game, he was nearly unstoppable, showcasing his scoring versatility.
How is PJ Washington’s three-point shooting percentage compared to other forwards in the NBA?
- Washington’s three-point shooting percentage of 34.1% is solid but not elite for a forward. However, it places him in the middle tier, which is respectable, especially given his defensive prowess.
How does PJ Washington’s defense impact his team’s success?
- Washington’s ability to guard multiple positions, along with his rim protection and rebounding, provides the Hornets with a defensive anchor. His versatility helps the team in various defensive schemes, including switching and help defense.
Is PJ Washington considered a star player for the Charlotte Hornets?
- While he is not considered the number one star, PJ Washington is certainly one of the most important players on the team. His all-around game and ability to contribute both offensively and defensively make him a key part of the Hornets’ rotation.
What role does PJ Washington play in the Hornets’ offensive scheme?
- Washington plays as a versatile forward who can operate both as a scorer and as a facilitator. His ability to shoot from the outside and play inside makes him a valuable asset in the Hornets’ spacing-oriented offense.
Final Thoughts
PJ Washington is a highly versatile and valuable player in the NBA, and his development continues to be exciting to watch. His stats show consistent growth, and his impact on both ends of the floor makes him a player to watch in the coming years. Whether he’s scoring, defending, or facilitating, Washington has proven to be a key asset to the Charlotte Hornets and a player who can make a difference on any given night.
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