P.J. Washington Bio
Paul Jamaine Washington Jr., known professionally as P.J. Washington, is an American professional basketball player for the Dallas Mavericks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Born on August 23, 1998, in Louisville, Kentucky, Washington rose to national prominence as a five-star high school recruit before starring at the University of Kentucky. Selected 12th overall by the Charlotte Hornets in the 2019 NBA draft, he has built a reputation as a versatile forward capable of scoring inside and out. He currently resides in Frisco, Texas, with his family.
Early Life and Background
Washington was born in Louisville, Kentucky, into a family with deep basketball roots. His parents met while playing basketball at Middle Tennessee State University, and they carried their love for the game into his upbringing. His father went on to become a general manager at a car sales company and coached Washington’s middle school team, while his mother became a teacher at the same school. Washington has a brother, Spencer, and a sister, Alexandria.
Washington’s family later relocated to St. Louis and then Chicago before settling in Frisco, Texas. The frequent moves exposed him to a variety of basketball cultures and helped shape his adaptable playing style. Growing up around coaches and educators, he developed a strong work ethic and an early understanding of team dynamics. His parents’ basketball pedigree gave him a foundation to pursue the sport at the highest levels.
Path to Basketball
Washington attended Prime Prep Academy in Dallas after a brief stint at Lone Star High School in Frisco, Texas. He later transferred to Findlay Prep in Henderson, Nevada, where he joined fellow five-star recruits Allonzo Trier and Derryck Thornton. As a junior, he averaged 16.8 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game, showcasing his well-rounded skill set. After his junior season, he played AAU basketball for Team Penny, sponsored by former NBA All-Star Penny Hardaway, on the Nike EYBL circuit.
During his senior year, Washington elevated his production to 19.6 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game. He was selected to both the 2017 Jordan Brand Classic and the McDonald’s All-American Game, cementing his status as one of the top players in the country. Rated as a five-star recruit and the No. 12 overall prospect in the 2017 class by major scouting services, he committed to the University of Kentucky on November 10, 2016, signing his letter of intent ten days later. His path from Louisville through multiple high schools to a blue-blood college program reflected his resilience and growing reputation.
P.J. Washington Career
Early Career at Kentucky (2017–2019)
Washington joined the Kentucky Wildcats as one of the most highly touted recruits in program history. Throughout most of his freshman season, he played through a pinkie injury that eventually required surgery in the summer. Despite the injury, he contributed steadily, averaging 10.8 points and 5.7 rebounds per game. In the NCAA Tournament loss to Kansas State, Washington led Kentucky with 18 points and 15 rebounds, demonstrating his ability to perform on the biggest stages.
After his freshman year, Washington declared for the NBA draft but announced his return to Kentucky on May 30, 2018. Following the Wildcats’ loss to Auburn in the 2019 NCAA Tournament, he declared for the draft and was projected as a first-round selection. He was named Third-team All-American and First-team All-SEC in 2019, capping his college career on a high note.
Charlotte Hornets Era (2019–2024)
Washington was selected as the 12th overall pick by the Charlotte Hornets in the 2019 NBA draft and officially signed with the team on July 3, 2019. He made an immediate impact, debuting on October 23 with 27 points, four rebounds, an assist, a steal, and a block in a 126–125 win over the Chicago Bulls. His seven made three-pointers set a record for the most in an NBA debut. He followed that performance with 23 points and eight rebounds against the Sacramento Kings on October 31.
During the 2019–20 season, Washington was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team. He continued to develop into a reliable scorer for the Hornets, posting a then career-high 42 points on February 28, 2021, in a win over Sacramento. On March 28, 2023, he set a new career high with 43 points in a 137–134 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder. That summer, he re-signed with Charlotte on a three-year, $48 million contract, signaling the team’s commitment to him as a building block. He tied his career-high 43 points on January 27, 2024, against the Utah Jazz.
Dallas Mavericks Era (2024–Present)
On February 8, 2024, Washington was traded to the Dallas Mavericks, along with two future second-round picks, in exchange for Seth Curry, Grant Williams, and a top-2 protected 2027 first-round pick. He made his Mavericks debut two days later, recording 14 points, five rebounds, and one steal in a 146–111 win over Oklahoma City. On April 5, he hit a game-winner and scored 32 points in a 108–106 victory over the Golden State Warriors, establishing his value in clutch moments.
Washington played a key role during the 2024 playoffs. In the first round, he was ejected in Game 3 against the Los Angeles Clippers after a confrontation with Russell Westbrook. In the Western Conference Semifinals against Oklahoma City, he led Dallas with 27 points in Game 3 and delivered a memorable performance in Game 6, sinking two intentional free throws with 2.5 seconds left to seal a 117–116 win. Washington helped the Mavericks reach the 2024 NBA Finals, where they lost to the Boston Celtics in five games.
On September 10, 2025, Washington signed a four-year, $88.76 million contract extension with Dallas that runs through the 2029–30 season, underscoring his importance to the franchise’s long-term plans.
Driving Style and Strengths
Washington is known for his versatility as a power forward, combining a smooth outside shot with physical interior play. Listed at 6 feet 7 inches tall, he has the size to defend multiple positions and the skill to stretch defenses from beyond the arc. His passing vision and willingness to facilitate make him a connective piece on both ends of the floor.
Notable Events and Milestones
Washington set the NBA record for most three-pointers in a debut with seven made triples against the Bulls. He helped lead the Mavericks to the 2024 NBA Finals and delivered a clutch Game 6 performance against the Thunder in the Western Conference Semifinals. His four-year, $88.76 million extension in 2025 further cemented his standing as a core contributor for Dallas.
P.J. Washington Family
Family Background and Basketball Lineage
Washington’s parents both played basketball at Middle Tennessee State University, where they met before starting a family. Their athletic background laid the groundwork for his basketball journey, and both remained closely involved in his development. His father coached his middle school team, while his mother taught at the same school, creating a supportive environment centered on education and sport.
Personal Life
Washington married Alisah Chanel in October 2023. The couple has a son named Preston, born in 2023. Washington also has another son, Paul Jermaine Washington III, born in 2021 with Brittany Renner. He currently resides in Frisco, Texas, with his family.
2025 Season Performance
Washington entered the 2025 season coming off a strong postseason run that saw him play a meaningful role in the Mavericks’ run to the 2024 NBA Finals. With his new four-year extension secured in September 2025, he is positioned as a long-term fixture in Dallas’s frontcourt. His ability to stretch the floor and defend at a high level gives the Mavericks flexibility in their rotations.
As the Mavericks look to build on their Finals appearance, Washington is expected to remain a steady contributor on both ends of the floor. His size, shooting, and basketball IQ align with the team’s championship aspirations. With a multi-year commitment from Dallas, his role is likely to expand as a veteran leader within the roster.