There is a world, if not a commercial, three years from now where DaRon Holmes lofts an alley-oop to a star for a rim-shaking dunk, and turns to the camera and declares, “Elementary, Dear Watson.”
For everyone around the NBA, including Holmes, Peyton Watson has become something obvious: a revelation.
Nuggets’ co-general managers Ben Tenzer and Jon Wallace made zero missteps this offseason, but not extending Watson could haunt them.
If nothing else, the past two weeks have created an interesting conversation: Is Watson a rising star capable of scoring with the ball in his hands or merely a solid role player who has simply improved in a catch-and-shoot role?
If the latter is the answer, then the Nuggets’ GMs were right. If the former is correct, then there will be regret, especially if Aaron Gordon and Cam Johnson continue dealing with injury issues.
Going back to October, Watson wanted a contract. And the Nuggets wanted him at a specific price point. However, a new deal for Christian Braun took priority, leaving roughly $6 or $7 million per season for Watson to allow the Nuggets to avoid second apron territory.
Watson, 23, bet on himself and now sits in line for a monster payday as a restricted free agent. The Nuggets will have a chance to match any offer sheet. Good luck.
Given how Watson has played, the Nuggets’ best option could be a sign-and-trade this offseason. There are even those who think they should deal him over the next month to avoid the apron. Sorry, not buying it.
One thing is clear: Watson is playing less like a face in a crowd and more like the face of a franchise.
In the five games since Nikola Jokic hyperextended his left knee against Miami, Watson has averaged 24.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists, one steal and a block. Former GM Calvin Booth deserved to be fired for his trade deadline inactivity, but he deserves credit for seeing Watson’s potential.
In his fourth season, his skillset has grown, a reflection of his offseason hard work and commitment. Does his game still lack nuance? Yes. But not improvement.
Even as Braun and Gordon have eased back into the lineup on minute restrictions, Watson has remained a force. He has scored 20-plus points in five straight games, while shooting 41.4 % on 3s, compared to 39 % in the first 30 games.
Role players typically get exposed with more playing time. But in going from 27 to 37 minutes per game, Watson has made his case as a steady contributor.
And given the Nuggets plenty of clues to chew on.
In the end, there will probably be little mystery. The better Watson plays, the bigger package the Nuggets can demand in an offseason trade.
Inexperience matters: If the NFL playoffs feel different, lacking dominance, it is because they are. For the first time since seeding began in 1975, the starting quarterbacks for the No. 1 teams in the AFC and NFC feature quarterbacks without a postseason win. That stat applies to the Broncos’ Bo Nix and the Seahawks’ Sam Darnold. In a big game, based on fourth-quarter comebacks, it is still easier to trust Nix than Darnold. Sleep on that Seattle.
Brown cloud: The Haslam Family is searching for its seventh coach since buying the Browns in 2012. Washington owner Josh Harris, per reports, meddled, leading to offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury’s exit after two seasons. The Titans fired Mike Vrabel to hire Brian Callahan. Nothing undermines success like a lack of stability, and of course, a lacking quarterback. In summary, be grateful for the Walton-Penner ownership group, Broncos Country. They provide the type of excellence and leadership you deserve.
You get a trophy, you get a trophy: Given the Avs’ torrid pace, it is time to confront the facts. Why can’t the Avs win MVP, top defenseman, best goalie and coach of the year? If the Avs finish with the most points in NHL history, Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, Scott Wedgewood, and Jared Bednar should walk away with more hardware than Home Depot.
Want more sports news? Sign up for the Sports Omelette to get all our analysis on Denver’s teams.