The Denver Nuggets have made a decision that will come to define the legacy of the current ownership group. By firing Michael Malone less than two years after he delivered the only championship in franchise history, Denver is toeing the line between mad scientists with genius that has yet to be revealed and impulsive decision-makers destined to destroy the franchise.
Perhaps that’s an exaggeration of the current state of affairs, but one player has every reason to fear for the worst: Peyton Watson.
Watson is in the midst of a breakout season during which he’s made a powerful statement about his future as a cornerstone. He’s become a crucial contributor off the bench, providing depth at a time when it seemed as though Denver was devoid of it.
Unfortunately, the head coach who spearheaded Watson’s development is no longer with the team—nor is Calvin Booth, the general manager who acquired him at the 2022 NBA Draft.
It’s a compromising position for any young player to find themselves in. For an up-and-comer who has yet to solidify their future with a franchise, however, changes to the coaching staff and front office can be terrifying.
Suddenly a trade candidate whose long-term place in the rotation is unclear, Watson went from producing a breakout season to auditioning for a new front office in the blink of an eye.
Nuggets must not give up on Peyton Watson
Watson, 22, has taken a significant step forward during his third season. He’s currently averaging 8.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.4 blocks, 0.7 steals, and 0.7 three-point field goals made in just 24.5 minutes per game.
Those numbers translate to impressive averages of 11.9 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 2.0 blocks, 1.1 steals, and 1.0 three-point field goal made per 36 minutes.
A defensive ace in the making, Watson has the potential to become the proverbial Swiss Army knife. He offers value in every phase of the game, and has made clear progress since 2023-24.
That much can be seen in his increase in efficiency from a 2023-24 slash line of .465/.296/.670 to 2024-25 marks of .477/.357/.689.
The arguable driving force behind Watson’s improved efficiency has been a more assertive mentality as a scorer. He’s attacking with more confidence, utilizing his physical gifts to finish around the rim and embracing open looks from distance rather than hesitating when they arrive.
The results translated to the box score, as Watson recently had a stretch during which he scored at least 10 points in five of six games.
Unfortunately, the decision to fire Malone has called Watson’s future into question. It’s impossible to know if a new head coach or general manager will value Watson’s abilities and upside in the same way, or if they’ll extend the same patience to his development.
One can only hope for the best at this stage, but Denver may have inadvertently sabotaged Watson by firing Malone.