How Peyton Watson’s BREAKOUT Changes the Denver Nuggets

Peyton Watson’s breakout is changing the Denver Nuggets’ ceiling—especially with Nikola Jokic sidelined—after torching the New Orleans Pelicans in a 122-116 win with 31 points and clutch shot-making. Fresh off being named Western Conference Player of the Week (24.5 PPG), Watson’s two-way surge is giving Denver a new scoring “wrinkle” next to Jamal Murray and a massive lineup chess piece when Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun are fully healthy. We break down what Watson’s rising confidence, efficient 3-point shooting, and rim pressure mean for the Nuggets’ playoff rotation—and why his impending restricted free agency could reshape Denver’s future.

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36 comments

  5. It's clear Pwat us now the SF of the future. But for this year he can be the ultimate 6th man and the 2nd unit with Cam staring.

    Then have PWat start next season.

  10. I think the Nuggets have to try PWat at starting SF when everybody gets back. See if some semblance of his offensive production continues. If so he brings so much more athleticism and D than CJ. That starting lineup would have a ton of defensive versatility with AG, CB and PWat. Then you're bringing in THJ and CJ to rain 3's off the bench. If it doesn't work out just bring PWat off the bench once again. Certainly worth a try, especially since CJ will be coming back from injury. The Nuggets have first world problems….

  15. Why would Kroenke even take a chance on Watson who was a freshman with hardly any stats to speak of in college if he didn't see the total upside?🤔

  17. PWatt worked hard this summer and has working out with Kevin Durant for a couple years now, nuggets need to figure out how to keep him and insert him in starting 5 until all the other guys are all the way back and maybe just keep him there, but we need Braun too.

  18. Nuggs will be unstoppable once Jokic and crew get healthy. Get PWat signed ASAP. And his handle has improved 10x from last year. Dude is looking more and more like a KD light.

  20. Cam's starting spot is in serious trouble. Between PWat and Timmy the Sniper Cam's 'decent' season so far ain't gonna cut it. CB is fine. Remember he led the NBA in transition buckets last season. Him and Joker are an awesome 'bookend' out of the backcourt to Joker and Jamal. No, it is Cam who's spot is in danger. I know, traditionally, you don't take away a guy's starting spot when he's on the injury list, but PWat has shown over 10 games now that he can be a starting level two-way 3 and D guy. Well.. that's Cam's SF spot. Now they can bring a MASSIVE lineup. Jamal Murray is a large PG and plays even bigger. CB has now grown to 6'7" and 230lbs. He's a scaled down AG basically. Pwat is a PF in length and size, but has all the athleticism of a SF. Now his 3pt shooting has moved him into a perfect 3 and D wing. AG is well… AG… He's basically, as far as 'playing strength' the PF version of Steven Adams. Nobody stronger at the position. Then Joker. The 7' 300lb Serbian wrecking ball who also happens to be the best basketball player in the Universe. So Cam becomes a really capable backup. I mean the backup rotation would be BB, Timmy, Cam, Spence, and Big Val… that's a starting team… Washington would trade you straight up for that roster for their starting five.

    Nice 'problem' Coach Adelman has, yeah?

  21. How easy people forget what Braun was doing last year. Not only for a stretch of the games but full year.

    PWat is better in free flowing game while Braun is better in structured game. Only thing that matters is who fits better when Joker is there.

    Also, who defends guards of the West when it's playoffs time? SGA, Luka, Ant, Steph, Harden…

    They are both needed but in very different ways. Love both, just don't put one down in order to prop the other.

  22. Booth was let go, but let’s give him credit for drafting Braun and Watson in the same draft, and Watson avg 4 pts a game in college. Booth also grabbed Pickett. Strawther has also shown signs at times. And he signed Spencer Jones.

  25. Love what P Wat is doing. You can tell he is matured, every time Jokic talks to him he is locked in. Dude is serious about developing and contributing. He's like the anti Jordan Poole

  26. Just to give an answer to the last question, I guess we'll see more pick-roll/pick-pop situations between Payton and Nikola, with AG and CB/Cam Johnson/Spencer Jones cutting in order to facilitate a drive and avoid the backside help, with Jamal spacing or playing off the ball. But these are just specutations, until Nikola's comeback. If Jokic finds a way to help Payton to maintain this level of efficiency without affecting the final score, this is gonna be scary.

  27. Its easier to play up to your potential when you don't have to wait for Jokic's decision to pass the ball.
    Jamal is playing like a superstar & Watson a potential all star without the help of Jokic. This proves Jokic is not going to maximize his teammates full potential

  31. If Cam does not step it up, he should be gone in the offseason to free cap and resign P Wat. Christian Braun shoud stay in Denver, he's earned it and has worked really hard.

  32. What I hope when Jokic and everybody comes back. Pwat coming in early off the bench with thj and he becomes primary ball handler running two man game with Jokic. Then Jamal can get more rest, lead that second unit with cam or ag to start second and fourth quarters

  34. Jokic's inability to share the spotlight is a problem. Fans just side with him with the assumption his mates are mediocre. Now with his injury we can clearly see its the exact opposite. Jokic needs to fit into the nuggets new team first offense that is not catered to him instead of trying to stand out alone

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