The Role PJ Washington Could Play in Klay Thompson’s Adjustment to Mavericks

Making changes after joining a new team in the NBA is always a challenge. It could be especially difficult for Klay Thompson, who spent his entire career with the Golden State Warriors before being traded to the Dallas Mavericks last offseason. However, P.J. Washington could help Thompson make the transition.

Washington and Daniel Gafford were acquired by the Mavs before the 2023-24 NBA trade deadline. As a result, Washington was able to learn how to adjust not only to playing in Dallas, but also to playing as a winger alongside Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Washington may be able to pass on information to Thompson about the Mavs stars and how to properly adjust to playing with them.

Of course, Thompson will certainly be ready no matter what. He has watched both players for years and should be ready for the challenge. However, Thompson has only played for one NBA team in his career, so it may take some time for him to find his rhythm.

PJ Washington and Daniel Gafford adjust to Mavericks after trade

Washington averaged 11.7 points per game on 42.1 percent shooting from the field and 31.4 percent from three-point range with the Mavs after being traded to Dallas from the Charlotte Hornets. Gafford, a center acquired from the Washington Wizards, had 11.2 points and 6.9 rebounds while shooting 78 percent from the field.

Gafford could also offer Thompson some advice, but Washington and Thompson will play similar roles with the Mavs. So Washington’s advice could also be applied to Thompson’s position.

Washington seemed to enjoy his first half of the season in Dallas, and it will be interesting to see what he offers from a leadership perspective in addition to his play on the court in 2024-25.

Washington discusses Mavericks’ offseason acquisitions

The Mavs have added several players besides Thompson this offseason, such as Naji Marshall, Quentin Grimes and Spencer Dinwiddie. Washington believes in Dallas’ new players, as he said in a recent interview, via DLLS Mavs.

“They’re going to be great,” Washington said of the Mavericks’ new players. “I can’t wait to see them. They can do just about anything and they’re going to help us every step of the way.”

He appears to have confidence in the Mavs’ offseason acquisitions, and the 2024-25 campaign promises to be an exciting one as new players look to help Washington, Gafford, Doncic and Irving lead the way.