Atlanta Hawks: 13 Players Hawks Could Select in 2019 NBA Draft
By Chris Guest
#9 — PJ Washington, Sophomore, Kentucky
After a rough freshman season with Kentucky, PJ Washington broke out in his sophomore year and improved across virtually every category. Washington set new career-highs in points per game (15.2), rebounds per game (7.6), assists per game (1.8), steals per game (0.9) blocks per game, field goal percentage (52.2%) and his three-point percentage jumped from 23.8 to 42.3 from his freshman to sophomore campaign.
Beyond that, he lowered his turnover percentage and committed fewer fouls than he did in freshman year in nearly identical minutes played.
Of course, statistics aren’t everything, and Washington’s fiery competitive drive passes the eye test with flying colors as well. With a sturdy 6-foot-8 frame with ripped physique and an impressive 7-foot-3 wingspan, Washington is a definite physical specimen. He also carries himself with a bit of a snarl, and it seems as if he would play the role of villain very well at the next level.
Furthermore, he utterly dominated in the 2019 NCAA Tournament, so much so that he carried the Kentucky Wildcats in the Elite Eight – nearly defeating the Auburn Tigers in overtime through sheer will alone:
Though, once again, the fit of Washington, who will likely play the four or small-ball five at the next level, is not ideal next to John Collins, the Atlanta Hawks should still take a chance on Washington as he seems to just be a true gamer.
Especially when baking in his rapid improvement from his freshman to sophomore season, and you have the makings of a seriously striking prospect.