During the Nuggets’ quest for their first title in franchise history, Peyton Watson was an understudy, watching Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and the rest of the team guide the franchise to the top.
As Denver prepares to defend its crown, Denver needs the second-year forward to step into a supporting role.
The Nuggets don’t have Bruce Brown, who averaged 26.6 minutes off the bench in the postseason last year, or veteran Jeff Green, who played the second-most minutes (17.2 per game) among the reserves. That means Denver will rely on Watson to become a key contributor when the starters need a breather.
“We’re gonna need (Watson),” Aaron Gordon said. “His ability to make plays on both sides of the ball is incredible. He has a great feel for the ball. He’s going to be big for us to win it all.”
If Watson is feeling any anxiety, he isn’t showing it. The UCLA product has been building for his moment all season. After averaging 2.8 minutes in five postseason games as a rookie, he made strides during his sophomore campaign, particularly on defense.
Watson was tied for 18th in blocks per game (1.1) despite averaging only 18.6 minutes in 80 contests. Watson averaged 2.3 blocks during the final seven games and even swatted the ball six times in a 116-107 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves that ultimately delivered Denver the No. 2 seed.
He also held opponents to a 39.5% shooting percentage inside the paint (non-restricted area) and 37.9% from the mid-range.
“Peyton has grown over this season, especially defensively, and that’s where we are gonna need him the most,” Nuggets guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope said. “(He’s) ready.”
The biggest question hovering over Watson is how he will respond to amplified intensity that comes with the postseason. Playing for a team like Denver, the 21-year-old has to grow up fast and play with a different level of focus.
“I don’t think anybody questioned my ability or my capabilities to go out there and perform and help our team win. I think everybody’s question was, ‘Is he gonna be able to handle it mentally?’” Watson said. “I think that’s the part I’m most far along with now.”
Watson has benefited from the lessons received from players like Gordon and Caldwell-Pope. Having an experienced group of veterans in his corner has also helped Watson flush out any bad advice he has received while preparing for the playoffs.
“If it’s bad advice, I usually just let it go in one ear, out the other,” Watson said. “But … the worst advice, I’d say, is ‘Just get ready for the Celtics in the Finals.’ We ain’t even played one game in the playoffs yet.”
Last year, Watson played 14 minutes in the postseason. The most he played in a single game was four minutes against the Timberwolves and Suns. And Watson didn’t see the floor at all during the Western Conference Finals and NBA Finals.
So even though Watson is focused on helping Denver become the first team since the Golden State Warriors to win back-to-back titles, he couldn’t help expressing his excitement for the upcoming series against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Not only will he have a larger role in the rotation, the California native will be able to play in front of his family when Denver travels to Los Angeles for Games 3 and 4.
“Like I always say, I’m still dreaming, being a part of this league,” Watson said. “Playing for a team like this at 21 years old. It means the world to me, and I will never take it for granted.”
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