PJ Washington could be candidate to win NBA Award with Dallas Mavericks in 2025-26, says Zach Lowe

Zach Lowe envisions PJ Washington winning Sixth Man of the Year

Washington shot a solid 38.1% from beyond the arc last season while providing defensive value with 1.1 steals and 1.1 blocks per game.

Despite his consistent starting role, Washington could become a Sixth Man of the Year candidate next season, according to NBA insider Zach Lowe.

The arrival of number one pick Cooper Flagg will likely move Washington to a bench role, creating an opportunity for award consideration.

“This [contract] takes him right through his prime. He’s a nice jack of all trades who can do a little bit of everything at the right kinds of positions,” Lowe explained.

“He might not start this year for the Mavericks. I penciled in very tentatively, D-Lo as the Kyrie placeholder, Klay, Cooper Flagg, Anthony Davis, and Lively or Gafford, whoever they decide to start.”

“And that puts PJ Washington in a bench role. I think he then becomes a candidate for Sixth Man of the Year. He’s going to play a ton of minutes at a ton of different positions, including maybe super big lineups with him and Flagg and Davis and Lively. I just think he’s a really good player,” Lowe added.

PJ Washington’s versatility makes him an ideal sixth man despite starter success

The ESPN analyst believes Washington’s positional flexibility makes him particularly valuable coming off the bench. His ability to play different roles could maximize his impact and award candidacy.

If Washington maintains his strong performance coming off the bench, his award chances would be substantial.

The 27-year-old forward could still start if Jason Kidd decides to play Flagg as a point guard with ball-handling responsibilities.

Lowe’s co-host Kirk Goldsberry believes Washington’s presence will significantly benefit the Mavericks next season.

“I think he’s shown in big moments in Dallas that he’s a winning player. And I agree. I think the Mavericks are one of the most fascinating teams coming into the season for a variety of reasons,” Goldsberry stated.