The Denver Nuggets will be one of the last NBA teams to tip off their 2024-25 campaigns, and that could be a godsend. The Nuggets, who will have a new starting lineup this year, could have everyone in their rotation available for the first time when they host the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday night.
Peyton Watson, expected to be an important member off the bench for the Nuggets once again, was able to fully practice for the first time in five weeks on Sunday, according to Denver Post’s Bennett Durando. Watson suffered a soft-tissue injury (hamstring) in the first few days of training camp.
Intriguing Denver Nuggets Youngster Could Be Ready For Season Opener After Missing All Of Preseason
While yesterday was a good step for Watson, it doesn’t guarantee that the 22-year-old wing will be ready to go by Thursday. The Nuggets are taking it one day at a time, though they are reportedly preparing for him to play.
“We’ll see how that injury and how that muscle reacts to what he did today,” Malone told Durando on Sunday. “Because tomorrow, the hope is to introduce some more things offensively. … I want to blow it out tomorrow. We’ll be on the main court, which will be nice to finally get on the main court and play, maybe, three or four 12-minute quarters. And the hope is that Peyton feels good enough to get through at least some of those (quarters) tomorrow.”
Peyton Watson
Watson, the Nuggets’ 30th pick in the 2022 draft, saw significant time off the bench after playing sparse minutes in year one. Watson was a rotational player for the Nuggets, starting four games until the second round of the playoffs, when he was twice a DNP and played less than 10 minutes in the five contests.
The athletic 6-8 wing averaged 6.7 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks while shooting 46.5/29.6/67. He scored in double-figures 19 times, topping the 20-point mark once, and blocked at least one shot on 51 occasions.
Besides his athleticism, Watson also brings versatility, as he can play the 2, 3, and 4. Offensively, Watson is at his best in the mid-range and is an excellent defensive rebounder. Watson took a significant step as a defender and was outstanding around the rim. However, he struggled to defend the 3-point line.
Watson is expected to have an even bigger role than a season ago. He will likely be the Nuggets’ first nonguard off the bench and a top-eight player.
According to Harrison Wind of DNVR Sports, Watson was a full participant in today’s 5-on-5 practice.
“Nuggets are scrimmaging on the Ball Arena main court right now and Peyton Watson’s a full go. He’s ready for opening night.”
Denver Preseason
Denver went 1-4 during the preseason, its worst record exhibition record since 2021-22. The Nuggets were with Watson and rookie DaRon Holmes, who are slated to miss the season. The Nuggets struggled with turnovers, 3-point shooting, and defense overall.
“Turnovers. Transition, getting back. Just gotta do some discipline stuff,” Jamal Murray said Sunday. “Being on the same page. Just talking more, each and every possession. Offense and defense. I’d say those are probably the keys right now.
With Watson out, Julian Strawther, Hunter Tyson, and Vlatko Cancar got more playing time during the preseason. Strawther had a fantastic preseason and led the Nuggets in scoring and minutes. Christian Braun is slated to be a full-time starter for the first time.
Veteran Russell Westbrook is slated to be the Nuggets’ sixth man, with Dario Saric, Strawther, and Watson being among the first four players off the bench. Zeke Nnaji will likely round out the Nuggets’ second unit, though Tyson and Cancar could squeeze in as the 10th man.
