« It’ll just motivate me more and I’ll come out better from it all “. This is what declared Peyton Watson in October, after learning that it would not be extended by the Nuggets. And the least we can say is that he was not wrong.
Just elected “Player of the Week” for the first time in his career, after a week with almost 25 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 blocks and 1 interception on average, the winger actually exploded Denver. Accumulating 13.8 points, 5 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1 interception and 1 block per game (over 29 minutes), 51% shooting, 41% 3-pointers and 74% free throws.
Far from ideal for its leaders, in the red financially and who already could not afford to (over)pay Peyton Watson, after having re-signed Christian Braun. But Hoopshype says they have now changed their minds, due to his recent good performances.
Thus, the Nuggets would have received several offers for their 23-year-old player, but would have already refused them all, therefore considering keeping him during the next “free agency”. He will then be protected but will not have his future in his hands, Denver being able to align with any outside offer.
Even if it risks going high, which is what David Adelman expected: “ If he has a good season, he will be able to put himself in the position he wants » said the coach at the end of October. “ That’s how our league works: you have to prove every year. Then if you work hard and do things right, you will benefit. Peyton is great, he’s already had a really good preseason and everyone has their moment, so he can set his own value on the market and I think he will. »
| Peyton Watson | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saison | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | LF | Off | Def | To | Pd | Fte | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2022-23 | IT | 23 | 8:05 | 49.2 | 42.9 | 55.0 | 0.3 | 1.3 | 1.6 | 0.5 | 0.6 | 0.1 | 0.3 | 0.5 | 3.3 |
| 2023-24 | IT | 80 | 18:36 | 46.5 | 29.6 | 67.0 | 0.7 | 2.5 | 3.2 | 1.1 | 1.8 | 0.5 | 0.7 | 1.1 | 6.7 |
| 2024-25 | IT | 68 | 24:21 | 47.7 | 35.3 | 69.3 | 0.7 | 2.7 | 3.4 | 1.4 | 1.8 | 0.7 | 0.8 | 1.4 | 8.1 |
| 2025-26 | IT | 39 | 29:22 | 51.1 | 40.8 | 74.4 | 1.0 | 4.1 | 5.0 | 1.8 | 2.5 | 1.0 | 1.6 | 1.0 | 13.8 |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.
Worth a look
