"Staying ready so I don’t have to get ready": Peyton Watson on being a defensive playmaker and thriving alongside Nikola Jokic (Exclusive)
Peyton Watson’s rise with the Denver Nuggets is a masterclass in patience and preparation for a young NBA player while being an impressive example of an organization being rewarded for scouting and development.
Drafted for his defensive potential, the third-year forward is turning heads as a versatile two-way player. While an expanded role has accelerated his breakout this season, Watson’s relentless drive and adaptability have ensured he maximizes every opportunity.
When Aaron Gordon was injured, Watson stepped into the starting lineup and delivered. Over 10 starts, he’s averaged 12.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 31.5 minutes per game—a significant leap from his 9.7 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in just 17.9 minutes off the bench.
“For me, it’s just been about staying ready so I don’t have to get ready,” Watson told Sportskeeda. “This isn’t the first time AG’s been out. Last year, he went out for a few games, and I got to start. I played really well in that stretch too. So, I look forward to those opportunities.”
Defensive Versatility and Natural Instincts
Watson’s ability to defend at a high level has been his calling card. Whether tasked with slowing down an elite scorer like Kyrie Irving or contesting shots around the rim, Watson has proven himself a disruptive force.
“It started with having ability and just playing my hardest,” Watson told Sportskeeda. “Over the years, I’ve grown more disciplined, more patient on that end of the ball, staying down on shot fakes, and watching a lot of film.”
Paired with impressive instincts and reaction speed, the film work has translated into highlight-reel blocks and timely steals—plays that often swing momentum in Denver’s favor. Now in his third NBA season, Watson has continued to learn the tendencies of his matchups, allowing him to be a defensive playmaker when that recognition kicks in on the court.
“I think my timing for it has been natural pretty much my whole life,” Watson detailed to Sportskeeda. “But studying a lot of film and just watching a lot of the greats allows me to figure out their pace and cadence when they play, and it helps me out on the defensive end.”
Fitting into the Nuggets’ Offensive System
While his defense has been the foundation of his success, Watson has quietly grown into a reliable contributor on offense. His ability to thrive in Denver’s unselfish system, alongside one of the NBA’s premier playmakers, Nikola Jokic, has played a crucial role in his development. Whether he's cutting for an easy look or involved directly in an action with is superstar teammate, he's proving to be a great complement.
“Being able to play with Nikola just opens the game up so much because he draws so much attention to himself,” Watson told Sportskeeda. “It’s an unselfish group of guys. Our team moves the ball around, and everybody gets to touch the ball, which keeps rhythm in our hands.”
That rhythm has been evident in Watson’s improved shooting. With more minutes as a starter, he’s embraced the chance to make an impact offensively.
“With more responsibilities, starting games, and playing more, I get more leash to do things offensively that come natural to me,” Watson told Sportskeeda. “I’m just continuing to build that trust with my coaches.”
Watson’s work ethic and shooting consistency have played a crucial role in his development. He firmly credits his faith in God and trusts that the results will translate by continuing to work hard and diligently.
“For me, it’s all about putting my faith in God and the work I’ve put in,” Watson told Sportskeeda. “I work on shooting a lot day in and day out, so it’s about trusting that work and continuing to shoot those shots with confidence.”
Watson shot 29.6% from beyond the arc across 80 regular-season games last season, but he's converting at a 34.9% clip this season. Maintaining his natural shooting form has been key to his success, and mastering his particular form continues to be key to maximizing his consistency.
“I always kind of had a natural form that I’ve kept,” Watson explained to Sportskeeda. “I didn’t want to play with it too much because sometimes that’s how you ruin your jumper. For me, it was about keeping the natural flow but also doing things right.”
Mentorship and Preparation
Russell Westbrook has also played a pivotal role in Watson’s development, dating back to their shared UCLA connections. The two are neighbors in the Nuggets' locker room, providing Watson with a similar mentorship opportunity as his fellow ascending teammate, Christian Braun, recently described to Sportskeeda as having with Jamal Murray.
“Russ has been a mentor of mine for a while now,” Watson said. “Since I came through UCLA and came up in L.A. grassroots. But, just being his teammate has been a blessing. He’s taught me so much on and off the court. Tips, tricks that can help me out.”
Watson has leaned heavily on the Nuggets’ veterans to guide him. Few voices have been as impactful as DeAndre Jordan’s.
“DeAndre has been the best vet I could ask for since day one,” Watson told Sportskeeda. “He’s taught me so much on and off the court.”
The mentorship doesn’t stop there. Watson’s relationships with superstars like Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant have also shaped his career. After the Dallas Mavericks faced the Nuggets in late November, Irving wrote a message for Watson on his game jersey and swapped it with him.
“Kyrie and KD allowed me to come in the gym when I was 16 years old during the pandemic and work out with them,” Watson detailed to Sportskeeda. “They took me under their wing, and I’m forever grateful for that. Playing against them now is full circle—it’s a great opportunity.”
A Bright Future in Denver
Watson's breakout has provided a much-needed boost as the Nuggets push through the Western Conference gauntlet. His ability to contribute on both ends of the floor has cemented his spot in Denver’s rotation—and his ceiling is only rising.
“With more responsibilities, starting games, and playing more, I get more leash to do things offensively that come natural to me,” Watson told Sportskeeda. “I’m just continuing to build that trust with my coaches.”
Watson isn’t just staying ready—he’s thriving in the spotlight. With his continued growth, he looks poised to be a vital piece of Denver’s present and future, offering the versatility and reliability that playoff contenders need.