It wasn’t hard to see where P.J. Washington’s heart was when he was growing up.
On Monday, as he and the Mavericks were in full-bore preparations for the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals, he recounted a story from his youth about his hopes and dreams as a youngster.
A reporter produced a list. On it was the following:
Become a McDonald’s All-American.
Sign with Kentucky.
Play for USA Basketball.
Become an NBA lottery pick.
Play for the Dallas Mavericks.
“That’s the list I made when I was in maybe sixth, seventh grade,” Washington said. “I was in my room one day. And I just wrote down some things I wanted to do, stapled it to my wall, took a picture of it.”
He made it his home screen on his electronic devices.
“It just everyday reminded me of the things I wanted to do,” he said. “I felt like I always knew I’d be here one day, but I’ve taken a step back and obviously, I’m super-blessed.”
And by the way, he nailed everything on that list. However, not on the list? Win an NBA championship.
But we can assume that was next on the agenda and something Washington and the Mavericks can achieve in this year’s NBA Finals.
Washington’s life has changed dramatically in the relatively short span of four months. On Feb. 4, he was on a Charlotte team that was mired in a nine-game losing streak and headed to a dreadful 21-61 finish.
Now, he’s a starter on one of the last two teams standing in the NBA.
Surprised? Well, yes and no. Washington said he’s not surprised about the success the Mavericks have had given the way his teammates have become galvanized and focused on one goal.
But, for himself – and Daniel Gafford, who also came from a losing situation in Washington at the trade deadline – he understands it’s been a wild change of fortune.
“I’m pretty sure he (Gafford) didn’t expect to be here, just like I didn’t,” Washington said. “It’s a lot of emotions coming from Charlotte and not really winning a lot of games to being in the Finals in a matter of months.
“It’s a quick turnaround and we’re just extremely grateful. We’re not taking anything for granted. As a kid, I never thought I’d be in the position that I’m in now.”
And this from a kid who attended his share of Mavericks’ games in the 2010-11 championship season.
“One of my dad’s friends had season tickets and he’d always ask us if we wanted to go,” Washington said. “I don’t remember exactly where I was sitting, but I know the ManiAACs were not too far behind me.
“I was definitely invested in that team. It was definitely great seeing them win a championship. It’s kind of full circle for me having coach Kidd coach me and being in Dallas and playing for a title.”
But then, Washington thinks of his teammates now and has seen what greatness looks like. For four years languishing in Charlotte, he did not have that luxury.
“Our group of guys, from Day One since I’ve been here have been helping me any way they can on the court or off the court,” he said. “Just the group of guys we have, nothing surprises me. I’m just happy we’re still here.”
Washington in all likelihood will have to spend a lot of time guarding either Jayson Tatum or Jaylen Brown, Boston’s high-scoring wing players. He expects nothing less.
But he’s proven through this playoff run that he’s learned how the NBA game works in the postseason. He showed that in the first round when his “Standing on Business” pose against the Los Angeles Clippers made him an Internet sensation.
And by the way, that hasn’t slowed down.
“No, not at all,” Washington said. “I’ve had a lot of love. A lot of T-shirts have been made. A lot of people have asked me for pictures and everybody’s doing the pose.
“So every time somebody sees me, they tell me to do it. It’s definitely fun and I’m definitely glad to get the fans involved with it.”
And maybe the pose will make another appearance on basketball’s biggest stage.
X: @ESefko
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