Why P.J. Washington believes new Mavericks teammates can help Dallas ‘win it all’

DALLAS P.J.

Washington doesnt hold back in one-on-one, no matter the opponent.

The Dallas Mavericks forward blocked shots and used his size advantage to dunk on campers at his first youth basketball camp Saturday at The Sportsplex in Dallas.

Washington, who had never hosted a camp during the first five seasons of his NBA career in Charlotte,N.C., said he enjoyed the simple interactions he had with the kids the most.

Just seeing how lit they were to talk to me about everything we did in the playoffs this past year, Washington said.

I cant wait to keep giving them memories.

After the camp, Washington discussed his offseason, the Mavericks new additions and why he thinks Dallas came up short against the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals but can realistically expect to compete for a championship this season.

Washington attributed the Finals loss to inconsistency and said the Mavericks didnt play as well as they had in the previous three playoff series.

I think thats what cost us, he said.

At the end of the day, we had to play the way we played to get there.

I dont feel like we did that in the Finals.

It was a learning curve for us, but obviously, everybodys excited to get back and everybodys wanting to get back to that mountaintop.

The Mavericks are coming off a lengthy postseason run that resulted in the franchises first Finals appearance in 13 years.

The reigning Western Conference champions will look different the next time they step onto the court due to the blockbuster acquisition of Klay Thompson.

Dallas also signed Naji Marshall and Spencer Dinwiddie and traded for Quentin Grimes.

Im just excited to get back in the gym and see what we can do as a team, Washington said.

Obviously, we have a new group.

Im excited to mesh with those guys and see how good we can be.

I believe we can do it and win it all and thats our goal.

Dallas will open training camp next month in Las Vegas, but many of the players have been building chemistry over the last two months.

Washington was among a group of Mavericks who trained together in Los Angeles last month, including Thompson, Dereck Lively II, Grimes and Markieff Morris, who has reportedly agreed to a new deal to return.

Washington also joined Daniel Gafford and Lively at the University of Arkansas to visit his former college coach at Kentucky, John Calipari.

Not a lot of teams get to do stuff like that, Washington said.

That was my first time doing that.

Just to be with those guys was great.

Im just super excited.

Thats all Ive been thinking about every day.

Ive been watching Mavs highlights, just trying to get myself ready.

I just cant wait.

Washington averaged 13 points and 6.6 rebounds and shot 34% from beyond the 3-point line in his first postseason appearance.

He was one of four players in Dallas starting lineup without previous Finals experience.

As he prepares for his sixth NBA season, Washington said hes trying to improve his ball handling and rebounding to become a more versatile player.

My ball handling, being able to rebound the ball and just push and be another outlet, Washington said.

Being able to shoot off the dribble.

Pretty much everything.

Working on finishing through contact.

Just trying to be a better three-level scorer and trying to be a better playmaker.

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