NBA: Ceilings, floors, and comparisons for the 2019 draft lottery picks
By Cole Raines
The Hornets took PJ Washington, the strong, athletic forward out of Kentucky, with the 12th pick of the draft.
PJ is a very long, strong, and athletic forward that displayed skill on both sides of the ball. In his sophomore year, he averaged 7.5 rebounds per game and a block a game, so PJ showed his capability of protecting the rim and hitting the glass. Offensively, PJ was one of the guys Kentucky relied on to carry the scoring load. PJ could be a valuable starter for any playoff team but he may need to add some strength to compete with some of the forward in the NBA. Without adding that strength, he may just be a scoring forward off the bench.
NBA Comparison: Marcus Morris
Morris has played as a bigger small forward and undersized power forward over his career, and that is similar to how I imagine Washington will have to play in the league. PJ has a longer wingspan than Morris, but the scoring and ability to stretch the floor is very similar to the role that Morris played for the Celtics.