Who is PJ Washington’s Father? Explore the Special Relationship Between Parent-Cum-Agent & 25YO Mavs Star

Throughout the history of the NBA, several players have credited their basketball success to their parents. While some acted as their childhood coaches and helped them to reach the big league, others continued standing beside their son as he attempted to make a name for himself in this competition-driven sport. The same is true for Dallas Mavericks power forward PJ Washington.

A few hours ago, the Dallas Mavericks recorded their third consecutive win against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the ongoing Western Conference Finals. During the post-game presser, a journalist across from PJ Washington highlighted how the player spends a moment during each pregame with his father. In turn, the latter keeps an eye on every shot his son makes in a game. When asked about what such moments mean to him, the player revealed that his father “means the world” to him and that his teachings are what allowed him to open his potential and receive the chance to play in the NBA.

“We used to be in a gym, just me and him, and my little brother, just working. Just trying to get to this point one day,” revealed Washington. “He’s been a big role model. He’s been there each and every step of the way. He’s my agent, so he’s a mentor for me”.

Given the significant role that this individual has had in the life of his son, the Mavericks star, let’s make use of this opportunity to explore who this man really is.

Who is PJ Washington’s father?

Paul Washington’s early life

PJ Washington’s father is Paul Washington. Not much is known about his childhood life, however, the only information we know is that Paul himself was a sports aficionado. In fact, his on-court skills had earned him a spot in the basketball team of Middle Tennessee State University, where he served as a 6-foot-5 forward. During two seasons, he would reportedly average 7.8 points and 4.4 rebounds. In this college, he would meet his future wife, Sherry Tucker, who herself served as a 5-foot-11 guard on the women’s basketball team.

The couple eventually married, and the future NBA player was born in 1998. Paul and his family first moved to St Louis, then Chicago, before finally settling in Frisco. He took up a job as a General Manager in a CarMax Dealership before becoming a coach at Stafford Middle School. This allowed him to be a constant presence from the beginning of his son’s journey to becoming a great basketball player. 

When PJ was in sixth grade, competing against eighth graders, Paul imbued an important lesson into his son’s mind by stating, “‘I’m not giving you nothing. You’ve got to earn it.’”

Paul Washington plays a pivotal role in his son’s NBA journey

Back in 2018, PJ Washington submitted his name for the NBA Draft. When his father was asked why the young star would choose to do this while being in the early stages of his college career, he replied, “I guess the real answer is, why not?”

“I think he’s utilizing the option that is available to him …,” said Paul during an interview. “Either he’ll stay or come back. I think the best course is to go see what his market value is and see what the NBA thinks of him at this point. If it’s good, he’ll stay. If it’s not, he’ll come back”.

The 2018 entry was used as a way to get a sense of where the young player stood. It was only in the 2019 draft in which the Charlotte Hornets selected PJ Washington. He chose to adorn the No. 25 on his jersey, the same number that once adorned Paul’s college jersey. Washington Sr. would later partner up with Kevin Bradbury to become joint agents for their son. During PJ’s time with the Hornets, Paul maintained close connections with a former Nike executive and old friend, Nico Harrison. Two months after Harrison became the general manager of the Dallas Mavericks, he agreed to take in PJ as part of a trade. And the rest, as they say, is history.

Paul Washington and Sherry are no longer together. However, both of them, especially Paul, continue to play a pivotal role in their son’s growth as an NBA player. With the Dallas Mavericks currently just one win away from reaching the NBA Finals, there is a good chance that by the end of June, PJ Washington may possess his own NBA championship ring. As a result, nothing would make the parent-cum-agent more proud.

Stay tuned for more such updates on PJ Washington. And if you wish to explore how NBA legend, Shaquille O’Neal’s thought process works in the modern-day NBA world, don’t forget to check out this video.