P.J. Washington

After opening his NBA career with consecutive solid campaigns, Washington took a small step back last season, posting his lowest per-game averages of 10.3 points and 5.2 rebounds. His other numbers -- 2.3 assists, 1.7 three-pointers, 0.9 blocks and 0.9 steals -- remained steady, but it certainly wasn't the breakout campaign one might hope for from a young player in his third season. Context matters, of course, and it is vital in Washington's case, as he spent much of the season adjusting to a new role as a reserve after starting in all but four of his first 122 NBA contests. The Kentucky product moved to the bench for the start of the campaign to make room for Miles Bridges, though Washington returned to a starting role for each of Charlotte's contests from Feb. 15 onward. With Bridges' NBA future in serious doubt following an offseason arrest on multiple felony charges of domestic violence, Washington appears poised to open next season back in the starting unit, which should allow him to build upon what has been an impactful-but-unspectacular opening to his professional career. Washington isn't going to carry fantasy squads in any one category, but he does multiple things well enough to make him a worthwhile target in the back half of upcoming drafts.

Washington made marginal improvements from his rookie to sophomore season. It wasn't a significant jump, though it was enough for him to go from 141st in per-game production as a rookie to 79th last year. The 6-foot-7 power forward and small-ball center saw 30.5 minutes per game and averaged 12.9 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 2.3 combined blocks-plus-steals. He ranked an impressive 14th in the NBA in block percentage (4.0). He's quietly establishing himself as a quality three-and-D option in the frontcourt. He'll also often be at the receiving end of easy makes around the basket by virtue of having LaMelo Ball as his point guard, which should keep Washington's field-goal percentage relatively high compared to the percentage of his shots that come from beyond the arc (39%). He shot 44.0 percent from the field last year. Washington's role shouldn't change much in 2021-22. The addition of Kelly Oubre could make the rotation at forward a little more complicated, but Washington should essentially be locked into 24 minutes per game at center, splitting time with Mason Plumlee.

The 12th pick in the 2019 NBA Draft was a pleasant surprise for fantasy managers and one of the most impactful rookies in his class. Washington burst onto the scene in his first game as a pro, racking up 27 points in a 126-125 win over Chicago that proved to be his highest-scoring game of the season. Bringing some production to a depleted frontcourt, Washington averaged 30.3 minutes across 58 contests and started in all but one game in which he appeared. The Kentucky product averaged 12.2 points, 5.4 boards, 2.1 assists and 1.5 threes, showing his ability to contribute across multiple categories. He shot a respectable 45.5 percent from the field and 37.4 from deep, though he sunk just 64.7 percent of his shots from the charity stripe, which dinged his value in category leagues. The productive season earned Washington an All-Rookie Second Team selection, and he'll look to take the next step forward in 2020-21, where he should be a late-round selection in most fantasy drafts.

Washington was selected No. 12 overall by the rebuilding Charlotte Hornets in this year's draft. The Kentucky product averaged 15.2 points, 7.5 rebounds and 2.0 combined blocks/steals as a sophomore last season, where he made an impact on both ends of the court, especially in the paint. Washington found his way to the lottery thanks to his versatility as a defender and scorer, being selected just ahead of teammate Tyler Herro. With longtime superstar Kemba Walker and scoring option Jeremy Lamb both gone this offseason, Charlotte is in the conversation for the worst roster in the NBA, and a full rebuild should mean extra playing time for rookies such as Washington. It's unclear what his role will be this season, but he has sleeper value playing on a team with minutes and opportunities up for grabs to whoever will take them.