‘Doesn’t Matter’: P.J. Washington Focused On Winning, Not Role With Dallas Mavericks
P.J. Washington doesn’t care whether his name is called with the starters or whether he checks in midway through the first quarter. His message entering the 2025–26 season is simple — his role “doesn’t matter” as long as the Dallas Mavericks win.
“Just coming here trying to win, doing everything I can to be successful and help my teammates be in great positions to win,” Washington said after practice. “It doesn’t matter if I’m starting or coming off the bench — for me, it’s all about winning.”
Washington proved his consistency last season, averaging 14.7 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 57 games for the Mavericks. His blend of versatility and toughness has made him one of the team’s most reliable two-way contributors.
Building Chemistry With Cooper Flagg and Anthony Davis
As the Mavericks integrate rookie forward Cooper Flagg into their rotation, Washington has already been impressed by the 18-year-old’s poise and playmaking.
When asked what stands out about Flagg’s time at point guard, Washington highlighted his versatility and maturity beyond his years.
“So much versatility,” Washington said. “He can do pretty much everything on offense. He has great size, can shoot well, and makes the right play. For an 18-year-old to do that is unheard of. He’s a special player.”
Washington added that their chemistry flows naturally when they share the floor, especially when Flagg shifts to the wing.
“We kind of piggyback off each other,” Washington said. “Whoever gets the rebound pushes and finds the open man. We’ve got great players around us, which makes it easy. With Klay bringing so much attention, it’s easy for A.D. to get touches and vice versa. We just create for each other and stay aggressive because we’ll have smaller defenders on us.”
Anthony Davis’ presence continues to reshape Dallas’ identity on both ends of the floor. Washington said having a full training camp with Davis has made the group more cohesive and confident heading into the season.
“Everybody’s more comfortable with his game,” Washington said. “We know how to play with and around him. It’s going to look a lot better than when he first got here. He’s going to be a great presence, and I’m excited to play with him this season.”
Jason Kidd Praises P.J. Washington’s Team-First Mindset
Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd echoed those sentiments, crediting Washington for his unselfish approach and willingness to adjust. The versatile forward has been a key piece since being acquired in 2024 and continues to provide lineup flexibility for a team still sorting through combinations.
“We’ve seen that from day one when we got him in the trade,” Kidd said. “You talk about someone who can start, come off the bench, guard the point guard or the five — he’s a team player. He’s all about winning. We’re lucky to have someone like that.”
Kidd’s comments reflect Washington’s reputation for adaptability — a player who can switch across positions defensively and operate as either a scoring threat or facilitator depending on the lineup.
Washington has grown accustomed to balancing different responsibilities throughout his career, and he embraces the matchups that come with a second-unit role.
“I get weaker defenders, so it is a plus,” he said with a grin. “It’s just about creating for each other and being aggressive because we’ll have smaller defenders on us.”
The Mavericks are experimenting with a jumbo lineup built around Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively II, and rookie Cooper Flagg, making Washington’s ability to shift between frontcourt spots even more valuable. Whether he’s spacing the floor alongside Davis or serving as a small-ball forward, his presence helps maintain balance.
Trust in Young Talent
Washington also offered strong praise for rookie guard Ryan Nembhard, who impressed during the preseason with his passing and decision-making.
“Ryan’s great,” Washington said. “He can pass with the best of them and makes the right play every time. He’s unselfish, defends, and can guard pretty well. He’s going to be a great young player, and I’m glad he’s with us.”
He added that for Dallas to reach its potential, the team must rely on its defense to fuel the offense.
“We have to hang our hat on defense—holding teams below their average and creating transition from that,” Washington said. “If we get back on defense, there aren’t many teams that can score on us in the half court. We’ll use that to our strength and build from it.”
Focused On Team Identity
Washington emphasized that his personal role takes a back seat to developing the team’s identity. He believes the first stretch of games will reveal who the Mavericks are — not just in talent, but in cohesion.
“We’re trying to build ourselves to get there,” Washington said. “For us, it’s about being physical on defense and trying to be the same way on offense — making the right play, playing together. That’s what the season’s for.”
The Mavericks open the season at home Wednesday against the San Antonio Spurs, beginning a five-game homestand. Washington says the team’s collective mindset is locked in on one goal — winning.
“I’m ready to play. I can’t wait,” he said. “Everybody’s excited, too. We’ve been in here beating up on each other, so now we want to beat up on other teams. We have the personnel to do it, and I just can’t wait.”
Now entering his third season in Dallas, Washington has become a steady voice in a locker room that features major changes, including the addition of Flagg and the full integration of Davis after his midseason arrival last year.
For Washington, the path forward is clear. No matter where he starts or finishes, his role is to lead through consistency and compete every night.
“It doesn’t matter if I’m starting or coming off the bench,” he said. “For me, it’s all about winning.”
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