P.J. Washington

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.