DALLAS — Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison has preached “defense wins championships” ever since trading Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in early February. The trade was unpopular among fans, but the Mavs are ready for this next chapter. In fact, PJ Washington told reporters on Monday during Media Day that Dallas' defense could be the “best in the league.”
. @JoeyMistretta_: "How dominant can this [Mavs] defense be this year?"
PJ Washington: "We feel like we can be the best defense in the league. We got guys that can guard multiple positions… it's not about potential, it's about showing it and we feel like we can do that." pic.twitter.com/3ihI4Ut3Mr
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) September 30, 2025
“We feel like we can be the best defense in the league,” Washington said. “We got guys that can guard multiple positions. For us, it's all about communication and just doing it every single night. It's not potential, it's about showing it and we feel like we can do that.”
The Mavs traded Doncic to the Lakers for Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a first round pick. Davis brings veteran prowess and defensive leadership to the team. He's an MVP candidate when healthy and often makes a case for Defensive Player of the Year.
AD is seemingly the player Harrison wanted to add — even if it meant giving up on a former franchise star in Doncic. Davis revealed his message to fans on Media Day as he prepares for his first full season with the Mavericks.
“Same thing as last year when I got traded when I had a press conference, nothing changes for me,” Davis said. “The goal is still to bring a championship here. I think we have a good ball club. I think our biggest thing as a team is just our health and staying healthy. Other than that I think we will be fine.
“I'm happy to be here, I'm excited to be here and I want to win here.”
Davis and Washington will look to lead the Mavericks' defense — a defensive unit with exciting potential to say the least. Dallas' defense will make the difference this season.
