Fansided

2019 NBA Mock Draft: When simulating the lottery gets wonky

By Brendon Kleen

METAIRIE, LA - MARCH 14: David Griffin, Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations for the New Orleans Pelicans, talks to the media during an introductory press conference on April 17, 2019 at Ochsner Sports Performance Center in Metairie, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images)
METAIRIE, LA - MARCH 14: David Griffin, Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations for the New Orleans Pelicans, talks to the media during an introductory press conference on April 17, 2019 at Ochsner Sports Performance Center in Metairie, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images) /
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PJ Washington Kentucky
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – MARCH 29: PJ Washington #25 of the Kentucky Wildcats reacts against the Houston Cougars during the 2019 NCAA Basketball Tournament Midwest Regional at Sprint Center on March 29, 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

170. . F/C. Kentucky. P.J. Washington. 12. player

It is apparently shooting week at FanSided when it comes to our mock draft, perhaps because it takes on such a focus during the playoffs when the margins are slimmer. Therefore, let’s examine Washington’s spot-up ability and how it will dictate his ceiling in the NBA.

The two swing skills for Washington in the NBA will be shooting and rim protection. They are actually in opposition to one another — if Washington’s shooting comes around, he’s more capable of playing the 4 in the NBA and spacing the floor. Protecting the rim at an improved level would give NBA teams the flexibility to move him to the 5. What makes him an enticing prospect, however, is that even if he only gets incrementally better at either skill, he still will have a long career as a third big man in the pros.

Teams will likely see that his shooting is likely to translate — and improve. Unlike most big men, Washington has a quick, repeatable shooting motion. He could bring the ball a little inward in front of his body to make the release even faster and avoid it getting blocked, but in desperation moments during the NCAA tournament, Washington got contested shots off in an instant to try to bring Kentucky back.

Charlotte hasn’t had a trustworthy big since Al Jefferson’s swan song — and that ended in a sweep in the playoffs. Washington may not be a home-run swing, but he brings another capable modern player to the Hornets’ roster.

Check out our full scouting report on P.J. Washington.

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