Apr 16, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington (25) dunks the ball against Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine (8) during the first quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images

'It’s All About Winning' – Dallas Mavericks’ $90 Million Forward Gets 100% Real on Potential Move to the Bench This Year

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Oct 21, 2025 9:01 AM ET

PJ Washington is expected to take on a reduced role for the Dallas Mavericks starting this season with the arrival of rookie sensation Cooper Flagg, and the 27-year-old forward doesn’t mind it at all.

According to Washington, he’s at the point in his career where he’s all about helping the Dallas Mavericks win games. He even joked that coming off the bench would boost his numbers because he’ll go up against “weaker defenders.”

“Just coming in and trying to win,” Washington told ClutchPoints’ Joey Mistretta. “Doing everything I can to be successful and to help my teammates to be in great positions to win. It doesn’t matter if I’m starting or coming off the bench, for me it’s all about winning.”

Apr 18, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington (25) dribbles during the first quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

“We’ve seen that from day one when we got him in the trade when you talk about someone who can start, come off the bench. Ask him to guard a point guard, ask him to guard a five, he’s a team player,” Jason Kidd said of Washington. “He’s a pro. He’s all about winning. So, ask him to come off the bench or starting, he’s whatever the team needs. We’re lucky to have someone like that.”

Dallas Mavericks News: Jason Kidd dishes on Cooper Flagg’s main role this season

The Dallas Mavericks tried having Cooper Flagg play the point because of his versatility on both ends and Kyrie Irving’s knee injury. Based on what he has seen from the rookie in preseason, Jason Kidd is convinced that Flagg will do well in his “point forward” role.

Oct 6, 2025; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward/center Anthony Davis (3) hugs forward Cooper Flagg (32) during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Oklahoma City Thunder at Dickie’s Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

“I think he will be excited (regardless of which position he’s listed at), dream come true for Cooper,” Kidd said about Flagg. “I don’t know if it really matters what position. He’s about winning, he competes at the highest on both the offense and defensive end, trying to help his team win.”

“I think when we’re looking at him starting at the point guard, it’s probably more of a point forward situation. But technically, we got to list someone at the point guard position, so I guess we’re listing him at the point guard position,” he continued.