BOSTON _ Marvin Williams knows smart and studious.
That's how he knew Charlotte Hornets rookie PJ Washington would be just fine in the NBA.
Williams isn't saying every game will be like the first half on Sunday, when Washington made all six of his shots against the Boston Celtics. But he also wasn't surprised how comfortable the 6-foot-7 Washington looked. Williams noticed how efficiently Washington absorbs and processes information at a time when any rookie could be excused for looking baffled.
"He's such a smart kid," Williams said. "He goes through something one or two times, and he's got it."
Washington had 16 points and seven rebounds in a 107-106 preseason loss. Coach James Borrego termed the rookie's performance "fantastic."
But maybe the best measure of Washington's debut was a comment he made to Williams when they were both on the bench: Washington told him he expected the game to look and feel a lot faster than it was.
Williams can't recall a rookie saying that, and he's been around plenty of them in 14-plus seasons. Williams certainly didn't feel that way with the Atlanta Hawks in 2005, after being drafted second overall that June.
Washington turned 21 in August and spent two years at Kentucky before turning pro. He could have been a first-round pick in the 2018 draft, but the reviews he got from NBA teams were that he could use more refinement on skills, particularly his jump-shooting.
Sunday, that shot was plenty refined _ he made 3-of-4 3-pointers. Borrego was sufficiently impressed that he ran a play for Washington late in this game. Washington was called for an offensive foul while trying to get position in the lane, but the decision to feature him in itself makes a statement.
