The New York Knicks won their first championship in 53 years, thanks in part to the play of OG Anunoby, the Knicks' defensive stopper at wing. The Denver Nuggets need Peyton Watson to find that style of game and emulate it, because the star Knicks wing is just another in the long line of defensive wings to have won a championship.
Per NBA insider Marc Stein, the Nuggets are planning to re-sign Watson, potentially paying him a large sum to return. But they could have to make a trade of either Christian Braun or Cameron Johnson to do it. It would be worth it if he's able to make the leap like Anunoby and the defensive wings who have won championships recently.
Defensive wings are a big part of the championship formula
Defensive-oriented wings have been a key cog in the wheel of championship teams over the past eight years. That run started with Kawhi Leonard, included Kentavious Caldwell-Pope twice, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Lu Dort. Now Anunoby's name is included in the list, too.
There's no reason Watson can't turn into the Anunoby or KCP role with the Nuggets next year. Over the 40 starts he made, he showed he's more than capable when given more time. Watson averaged 1.0 steals and 1.2 blocks, which compares favorably to Anunoby's 1.6 steals and 0.7 blocks.
The Nuggets clearly missed the perimeter defense in their first-round playoff exit at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves. Without Watson on the floor, it was a layup line that saw any guard or wing on the Wolves get to the hoop almost every time they wanted. The Nuggets had no answer, and oftentimes Nikola Jokic was left watching someone come into the paint already at full speed.
Watson would slot in just fine as the third scoring option for the Nuggets
Watson would be the third scoring option for the Nuggets in the starting lineup if the Nuggets hang onto Jamal Murray this offseason. That would be just fine for Watson's talents, and exactly what OG does for the Knicks.
The Knicks have Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns to run the offense through first, and the rest of the role players do their jobs successfully, which is a big reason the Knicks took everyone down so easily in the playoffs.
Watson averaged 17.3 points in his 40 starts, shooting 49.9% from the floor and 43.0% from three, which are better numbers than Anunoby had this year.
The Nuggets need to bring back Watson in the hopes that he can be another in the long list of defensive wings to win a championship. Clearly, it's one of the pieces of the puzzle that's required to win.
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