The San Antonio Spurs are not looking quite like a playoff team right now, but they have won their last two games in a row, which constitutes a streak even! They’re 13-14 with those last two wins coming against the Jazz and the Lakers. They’ll still have a late first round pick though thanks to the trade with the Toronto Raptors and that’s where this week’s prospect watch is going with a look at 6-foot-8, 228-pound Kentucky forward P.J. Washington.
If that name is familiar then that’s because we profiled him last season as well. He’s gotten better since then and has really made some strides in his shooting stroke from last season, which would bode well for the Spurs. Here are his stats so far this season:
- 14 PPG, 8.9 RPG, 1.8 APG
- 51.9 FG%, 70.8 FT%, 53.3 3P% (on 1.7 attempts per game)
- 122.8 ORtg, 94.6 DRtg
Washington has greatly improved his shooting from all over the floor and it looks like his staying an extra year in school has paid off as he will likely become a solid first round pick. His three-point shooting is a bit deceiving right now since he’s only taken 15 in nine games. However, he only took 21 all last season so he is definitely on pace to break that number in the next couple games or so. Once he becomes more comfortable shooting from distance he will become an NBA-level power forward.
The sophomore has been the anchor for the Wildcats this season and has come up huge in some big moments for them when the heralded freshmen have fallen short. He’s a great mid-range shooter — something these Spurs can appreciate — and is a good free throw generator off the dribble and in the post.
There are a few stand out traits for the young man as he’s got a great wingspan, has good hands and has a good motor to boot. This, along with his light feet and agility allow him to be a good defender on the perimeter. He’s got an NBA-ready body and he can pound down low with anyone if it comes to that.
He can initiate the offense from the high post and has great vision at his position. Washington has an excellent understanding of the game and could be a perfect glue guy for this Spurs team.
