Let's start this by saying that if the Denver Nuggets had it their way, Christian Braun and Aaron Gordon would be in the starting lineup right now. Duh. Unfortunately, injuries happen. There is no good way to spin Braun and Gordon getting hurt, but injuries do give other players opportunities to step up, which is what Peyton Watson has done.
The 23-year-old entered the starting lineup in place of Braun, starting with Nov. 15's win over the Timberwolves. During that span, Watson is averaging 16.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.0 steals per game, shooting 56.3% from the field and 50% from three, averaging 4.7 attempts per contest from deep.
His best game thus far of the season happened on Nov. 19 against the Pelicans, as he scored a career-high 32 points on 5-of-9 shooting from three (another career best) to go with 12 rebounds, three assists, and one steal in 34 minutes.
After the game, he talked about how much it meant to him to have his team believe in him the way that he does. They want him to be aggressive on the offensive end, and it's paid off.
In the Nuggets' most recent win over the Grizzlies on Monday, Watson poured in 27 points (11-of-22), five rebounds, three assists, one block, and one steal.
At media day and throughout training camp, David Adelman and players spoke about how Watson had a strong offseason and how much he improved. We're watching it before our eyes.
Peyton Watson is shining as a starter for the Nuggets
Not only is he in the midst of the best stretch of his career, helping Denver win without two key players, but he's making his case for next summer, when he'll become an unrestricted free agent.
The Nuggets wanted to avoid the second luxury tax apron, so they extended Braun over Watson, a decision that made sense, but that doesn't mean Denver wants to lose Watson. Navigating the CBA is challenging, particularly for an already expensive team like the Nuggets. And you know who their top priority will be next summer? Not Watson, but Nikola Jokić.
Right now, what matters is that Watson is helping Denver win games without Braun or Gordon. That's all you need to focus on, although it's hard not to let thoughts about free agency creep into your mind, especially since Watson is playing so well.
The Nuggets will continue to be without Braun until at least the end of December, which is when he'll be re-evaluated. Gordon will be out longer than that. It's not the kind of situation Denver wants to be in, but Watson playing at the level he is makes it far more bearable. He's doing exactly what his team needs from him.