Kyrie Irving delivers massive praise for ‘budding star’ Mavericks teammate

The Dallas Mavericks now have a rising star on their roster.

Feb 21, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) looks on after he makes a three point shot against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images / Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The Dallas Mavericks haven't been in the best position since trading Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. They've got an incredible big man rotation with Anthony David, Dereck Lively and Daniel Gafford, though the trio is all sidelined with injuries at the moment.

Not much has gone well since the Doncic move, and it's been some time since the deal was struck. Nico Harrison is still being dragged by the Mavericks fan base.

The club does have one player with quite a bit of potential, though, and he's not receiving enough praise as the focus around the DFW remains on the groundbreaking move of dealing Doncic to the Lakers rather than building around him.

Kyrie Irving was quick to praise the rising star, though. P.J. Washington has provided quite a steady presence for the Mavericks, and he's taking the opportunity within the Mavericks' squad with Doncic being gone.

"He’s a budding star for our team and he’s showcasing that," Irving said of Washington. "His numbers have showcased that. So I think it’s about time we started furthering that conversation about P.J. Washington consistently doing these things and being a great asset for our team as one of our leaders."

The Mavericks have needed any stabilizing factor as Davis didn't make it a full game in Dallas without suffering an injury. Irving needs help on the hardwood, and Washington has been able to provide exactly that.

Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington (25) looks on during the second half against the New Orleans Pelicans at the American Airlines Center. / Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

"When he’s not in the lineup, we miss him out there," Irving said. "He’s getting accustomed to playing that five role, four role for us. Being a playmaker and stretch out the opposing centers to the three-point line, making their help a little more difficult at the rim."

It'll be interesting to see if the Mavericks can right the ship and get their key players healthy for the postseason with the final regular season stretch here.

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READ MORE: Warriors blow out Mavericks behind 30 points from Steph Curry, 126-102

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