The Denver Nuggets are potentially in for some changes next year, and one of those changes should be to the starting lineup. If the Nuggets re-sign Peyton Watson, surely, they will move him to the starting lineup. That simple move is the best play on the board for the Nuggets' rotation next year.
The lineup combination of Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, and Peyton Watson combined for a 127.3 offensive rating and a 106.7 defensive rating, good for a 20.6 net positive difference. However, that lineup combination somehow spent only 146 minutes on the floor together over the past four years. It needs to be the main core for the Nuggets next season if all four return.
Watson and Gordon are the Nuggets defensive core
Watson and Gordon make all the difference in the world on defense for the Nuggets. Gordon was hobbled in the first round of the playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves, and Watson never played. And it showed, as the Nuggets had no answer on the perimeter or in the paint without their best two defenders.
Moving Watson into the starting lineup in place of Cameron Johnson or Christian Braun will absolutely be the right move for the Nuggets. Not only will the defense improve thanks to Watson's presence, but the offense will also receive an upgrade.
The Nuggets offense would be improved
Watson is by far the more explosive offensive option over Braun, and Braun may fit better in his role with the Nuggets coming off the bench anyway. Braun isn't going to explode for 30 or more points often. His game doesn't have that offensive punch. But we saw Watson go for 30 or more four times this year, and he averaged 21.9 points as the co-lead scorer with Murray while Jokic was out in January.
Watson showed the talent that could make him a star, and that surge over the month is why he is one of the more sought-after free agents on the market this summer. However, for now, the indications are that the Nuggets will try to trade Johnson or Braun to make room under the second-apron tax to bring Watson back.
The Nuggets looked terrible against the Timberwolves, but to be fair, they needed Watson and Gordon on the floor instead of Tyus Jones and Spencer Jones. The Nuggets' depth was clearly lacking.
But the 146 minutes the Nuggets' core three with Watson played over four years show they have found the preferred lineup that works, and the simplest solution for the Nuggets next year is just to make Watson a starter.
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