Jalen Washington is a right-handed center with NBA positional size and some untapped skill. Washington averaged 8.9 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.3 blocked shots per game at Vanderbilt while playing only 20.6 minutes per game. At 6'9" with a 7'4.5" wingspan and 237 pounds, Washington has the length to play center in the NBA. He played three seasons at North Carolina before finishing with one season at Vanderbilt. He had an equal number of assists and turnovers.
Washington’s shot looks okay. It is not broken. He made 31.1% from three-point range for his career and 74.1% from the free throw line in 2025-26. He also does a good job drawing fouls, which matters for a big with touch and length. Defensively, Washington posted a plus 2.3 DDiff and blocked shots at a solid rate for his minutes. The size, length, and foul-drawing all make him interesting, especially because we are not sure he was ever really given a full opportunity to shine at North Carolina or Vanderbilt. The most he played at UNC was 15 minutes per game.
Washington is not a finished product, but there are enough flashes to justify a closer look. His NBA case is built on center size, shot-blocking, a playable shooting stroke, and the possibility that there is more production available with a larger role.
