Peyton Watson was selected 30th overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2023 NBA Draft, then traded to the Denver Nuggets, along with two future second-round picks for JaMychal Green and a 2027 first-round reserve.
Although the 6-foot-8 guard out of UCLA appeared in just 23 games for Denver in his 2022-23 rookie season, he could play a bigger role with the team next season.
“He hasn’t played much this year, but the coaches, players, and staff are optimistic he could grab a big role next season — especially if the Browns leave free agency,” ESPN’s Zack Lowe said.
In a few NBA betting sites, the Nuggets are an early favorite to repeat as champions in 2024. Check out sportsbooks that also show good odds for the Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, and Dallas Mavericks.
I can’t explain what this means to me! Fall 7 times, recover up 8! This is for you Denver #MileHighBaby https://t.co/JI4mdh8XPw
– Peyton Watson (@peytonwatson_) June 13, 2023
Peyton Watson, 20, made just two of the 23 matches he played last season. The California native averaged 3.3 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 8.1 minutes per game. He also shot 49.2% from the ground and 42.9% from outside the arc.
In Denver’s 109–95 regular season finale win over the Sacramento Kings on April 9, Watson scored a career-high 13 points in 27 minutes as a starter. Along with recording four boards, one steal, and one block, he shoots 4-of-10 (40%) from the field and 5-of-7 (71.4%) from the foul line.
Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone may offer Peyton Watson a bigger role with the team next season
Nuggets coach Michael Malone praised the rookie forward at the end of the regular season. “If I had to use Peyton Watson in a playoff series, I would, if the situation called for it,” Malone said. “He showed me that he can go out there against some really good players and teams and influence the game in a positive way.”
However, Peyton Watson has made only five appearances during the 2023 NBA Playoffs. In the Nuggets’ 125-107 victory over the Phoenix Suns in Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals, the guard scored three points off the bench in less than four minutes.
Peyton Watson made his gold medal debut yesterday and put in a very impressive performance. I’m going to post a movie of it throughout the day, but one thing that will stand out is that gold uses it as a starter. He was put to good use in that summer league role. pic.twitter.com/zRjKCypQpu
– Asher Levy (@asherlevynba) November 6, 2022
While with Grand Rapids Gold, the Nuggets’ G League affiliate, Watson averaged 22 points, 6.6 boards, 2.3 assists, and 31.9 minutes per game. In addition, he finished 45.8% shooting from the floor.
This past July, Peyton Watson signed a four-year, $11.27 million rookie-wide contract with Denver. His multi-year deal includes club options for 2024-25 and 2025-26. He earned $2,193,960 last season and is expected to earn $2,303,520 with the Nuggets next season.