The Nuggets’ Peyton Watson Aims to Earn Trust and Make an Impact in 2023-24 Season

Last week, during the second training camp practice at the University of California, San Diego, Denver Nuggets player Nikola Jokic engaged in a conversation with Peyton Watson. As they discussed the team’s first official practice of the season and analyzed the new players on the roster, Watson posed a question to Jokic: “What do you need to be able to trust me this year?” To which Jokic replied, “You’re gonna have to do the things that nobody else wants to do.” This exchange laid the foundation for Watson’s sophomore season.

Watson expressed his gratitude for Jokic’s guidance and acknowledged the significance of receiving advice from one of the greatest players in basketball history. He mentioned Jokic’s mentorship and emphasized that he feels supported and believes he will play a pivotal role in the upcoming season.

Trust will be the central theme of Watson’s 2023-24 season. Can he earn the trust of Jokic, his teammates, and their coach, Michael Malone, to secure a role on a championship-focused team? If so, the sky is the limit for the 21-year-old player. After spending most of his rookie year in the G League, Watson is now poised to take on a rotation spot off the bench and fill the void left by Bruce Brown and Jeff Green. This presents a golden opportunity for Watson.

The Nuggets’ second unit lacks certainty beyond Watson and returning bench player Christian Braun. With his elite defensive skills, lengthy wingspan, and untapped potential, Watson seems like the missing piece the Nuggets’ bench needs. To increase his chances of securing a spot in the rotation, Watson spent the majority of the offseason in Denver, actively engaging with the coaching staff and focusing on building strength. He gained 20 pounds of muscle, which has already proven advantageous on the defensive end.

Watson is not only striving to earn Jokic’s trust but also trying to emulate the Nuggets’ franchise cornerstone in every aspect of his routine. He greatly admires Jokic’s meticulous approach to the game and is committed to reaching that level of excellence. Watson’s goals for this season include being a consistent rotation player, contributing to the team’s success, making it to the Rising Stars game, and becoming a prominent figure in the Denver community.

There’s one final goal that Watson has, both for this season and his entire career – to prove Nuggets general manager Calvin Booth right. Booth has shown immense faith in Watson’s potential since the early stages, and Watson wants to repay him by delivering on his promise. Despite averaging only three points per game in college, Watson’s defensive prowess, basketball IQ, and Booth’s unyielding belief in him have motivated him to exceed expectations.

The opportunity for Watson to prove himself and gain the trust of his teammates and the organization is finally here. He understands that nothing will be handed to him and that he must seize the moment. With an unwavering dedication to improving his game and a relentless pursuit of success, Watson is determined to go out and take the opportunities that come his way.