Re-Signed: The PJ Washington Jr. Thread (3yrs/$48m)

[Bassman]

Does that have more to do with PJ’s impact at the 5 spot, or………

Does that have more to do with the fact that when PJ moves to the 5 spot it means Bridges is in the game at the 4 spot and Miles is such a good defender that it ups our defensive rating as opposed to PJ being at the 4 spot?

A big part of it is probably not having a big that can be put in the pick and roll. We switch every screen with so little resistance, if we have Biz or Cody in the game they mostly just end up defending some guard on the edge.

PJ at center really works well when we also have McDaniels in the game at SF, Miles at PF, and LaMelo PG and Rozier at SG. This squad gives us a much better shot at defending the rim and rebounding by committee.

I really want to like PJ, to want PJ, but I just don’t see him taking the leaps necessary to remain a starting-level player. If he is part of a quality trade for a legit center, so be it. Miles is our future at the 4. He took a big step this season. Take another leap and he’s gold.

[CuseMayne]

Does that have more to do with PJ’s impact at the 5 spot, or………

Does that have more to do with the fact that when PJ moves to the 5 spot it means Bridges is in the game at the 4 spot and Miles is such a good defender that it ups our defensive rating as opposed to PJ being at the 4 spot?

A big part of it is probably not having a big that can be put in the pick and roll. We switch every screen with so little resistance, if we have Biz or Cody in the game they mostly just end up defending some guard on the edge.

PJ at center really works well when we also have McDaniels in the game at SF, Miles at PF, and LaMelo PG and Rozier at SG. This squad gives us a much better shot at defending the rim and rebounding by committee.

I really want to like PJ, to want PJ, but I just don’t see him taking the leaps necessary to remain a starting-level player. If he is part of a quality trade for a legit center, so be it. Miles is our future at the 4. He took a big step this season. Take another leap and he’s gold.

Damn right. Also, looking at how the NBA is going, Miles is a perfect 4 (even though I don't think he is that bad playing the 3 when necessary). Just look at the top 2 seeds in the West and who they start at PF: Jae Crowder and Royce O'Neale. Miles Bridges fits right into that mold, with a good bit more skill on the offensive end to boot. I really think selling high on PJ to bring in a legitimate 5 would be a strong move for us this offseason. He's simply too inconsistent and prone to settle for 3s all game long. Sucks, because he showed a lot of promise as a rookie and at certain stretches of the season last year, but I think his ceiling is pretty limited. McDaniels showed the level of versatility he can bring as well, I think he's a very important part of the team moving forward in terms of depth in the frontcourt with what he brings.


For the record, I'll also be extraordinarily glad if he stays with us and breaks out a la Miles during 2021-2022 and I'm dead wrong.

[bravor]

Bridges the 'perfect' pf is 6.6 .... I guess perfection is not the same for everyone.

[Hornet Mania]

It's all up to PJ whether he becomes more than just a mid-tier player.

I was so disappointed at how out of shape he was at the beginning of this season, he might have been our worst player getting consistent minutes early on. By the end of the year he worked himself back into shape and was hugely improved.

I'm going to pay close attention to how he looks at the beginning of next season. If he's lethargic and sloppy from the start then I'm going to lose confidence in him ever being serious about reaching his ceiling. If he comes in looking sharp I'm willing to believe he learned a harsh lesson after he probably thought he 'made it' as a rookie who exceeded expectations. In the former case I say trade him asap, in the latter case I would be more inclined to give him time and see how he develops a bit more.

[SWedd523]

This point last season we were having many of the same questions regarding Miles.

And now here we are.

I have seen more potential from PJ in his first couple of seasons than I did Miles. Comparing their first two seasons, PJ put up better numbers across the board, despite showing up this year out of shape and playing the wrong position.

He'll never be as physically gifted as Miles, obviously, but he's still got serious 20/10 potential if we can find a good pairing with him down low

[Soul Rebel]

This point last season we were having many of the same questions regarding Miles.

And now here we are.

I have seen more potential from PJ in his first couple of seasons than I did Miles. Comparing their first two seasons, PJ put up better numbers across the board, despite showing up this year out of shape and playing the wrong position.

He'll never be as physically gifted as Miles, obviously, but he's still got serious 20/10 potential if we can find a good pairing with him down low

This.

If Miles could turn in the season he just had after his previous play, there's at least hope for PJ at 22 years old. Personally, I think a frontcourt duo of Miles at the 4 and PJ at the 5 is not ideal longterm, but I'm willing to see where it goes, while bringing in a true center this offseason in FA or trade.

[GoBobs]

This point last season we were having many of the same questions regarding Miles.

And now here we are.

I have seen more potential from PJ in his first couple of seasons than I did Miles. Comparing their first two seasons, PJ put up better numbers across the board, despite showing up this year out of shape and playing the wrong position.

He'll never be as physically gifted as Miles, obviously, but he's still got serious 20/10 potential if we can find a good pairing with him down low

Exactly, also 3 and 4 are kind of the same in modern nba, PJ can be the 4 and Miles can be the 3. When PJ gets hot from 3 he is one of our best shooters. He has shown something both years he has been here. No reason to try and move him at this moment.

[Rich4114]

PJ’s problem is he needs to toughen up. He’s way too passive defensively and on offense he’s in love with waiting by the three point line. Those threes are incredibly valuable, but he needs to also be willing to bang down low and go after rebounds.

[euphorbus]

This is the NBA. The Hornets are a "small-market" team and cannot afford to keep someone around who does not give at least 90% every game. Trade him and bring in someone who actually cares.

[CuseMayne]

Bridges the 'perfect' pf is 6.6 .... I guess perfection is not the same for everyone.

Like I pointed out before, the top two seeds in the West are currently starting Jae Crowder (6'6) and Royce O'Neale (6'4) at PF. It's the modern NBA dude...and Miles plays SIGNIFICANTLY bigger than both of them due to his length/athleticism...

[Roll Tide 09]

I believe we're probably going to witness McDaniel's absolutely skyrocket past Washington during the upcoming season.

[Liver_Pooty]

PJ can get plenty of minutes backing up the 4 and 5. God forbid we actually have good depth.

[GiggitySmalls]

I believe we're probably going to witness McDaniel's absolutely skyrocket past Washington during the upcoming season.

Not skyrocket past, but maybe nearly or as good as Washington. After that we make choices.

[JMAC3]

PJ is the type of player that can stay on the court during a playoff series because he can switch to some degree and can space the floor. The Nets and Bucks just each played 6 guys because they lacked guys that fit that mold. PJ might be a young Jeff Green, but that is still a really valuable player in this league.

[GoBobs]

I believe we're probably going to witness McDaniel's absolutely skyrocket past Washington during the upcoming season.

PJ/Vern/Richards/Biz
Miles/PJ/Martin
McDaniels/Miles/Martin
Hayward/Rozier/Graham/Martin
Ball/Graham/Martin

[luciano-davidwesley]

I believe we're probably going to witness McDaniel's absolutely skyrocket past Washington during the upcoming season.

PJ/Vern/Richards/Biz
Miles/PJ/Martin
McDaniels/Miles/Martin
Hayward/Rozier/Graham/Martin
Ball/Graham/Martin

We could probably get Cody Zeller and other better centers for the vet minimum so I think it's very unlikely we keep Biz around.

[fatlever]

So has anyone been paying attention to PJ's headlines in the news recently? Seems he's having a bit of a meltdown now that his gold-digging IG girlfriend left him and is milking him for $200,000 a year in child support.

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[-Ian-]

So has anyone been paying attention to PJ's headlines in the news recently? Seems he's having a bit of a meltdown now that his gold-digging IG girlfriend left him and is milking him for $200,000 a year in child support.

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WHAT? That's insane! Can't PJ fight for custody of his son? I hope this doesn't mess up his game.

[UNCNYC]

So has anyone been paying attention to PJ's headlines in the news recently? Seems he's having a bit of a meltdown now that his gold-digging IG girlfriend left him and is milking him for $200,000 a year in child support.

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Lol, yes I have heard quite a bit about that. I think she might have had her eye on him during his kentucky days from what I heard. I posted a pic of them before.

Being a guy is rough. I don't know whats better. Being ugly and broke or rich and having baby mama issues.

Welp, I guess I am very lucky to be ugly and broke lol.

[Liver_Pooty]

So has anyone been paying attention to PJ's headlines in the news recently? Seems he's having a bit of a meltdown now that his gold-digging IG girlfriend left him and is milking him for $200,000 a year in child support.

Sent from my SM-G973U using RealGM mobile app

Yeah he tweeted then deleted something along the lines of "you faked our entire relationship". Basically he got used. Pretty awful.