The Denver Nuggets training camp has barely begun, and they’re already dealing with some unfortunate injury setbacks. Two players are sidelined after just one day, which has created an early challenge for the team as they gear up for the preseason. The most recent casualty is Peyton Watson, who’s out due to a soft-tissue hamstring injury, a blow that may keep him off the court for the team’s first two preseason matchups. The Nuggets are set to play two games in Abu Dhabi next week against the Boston Celtics, and Watson’s absence is already being felt.
Coach Michael Malone shared his thoughts on the situation, saying, “I think it’s really important that we’re smart about his injury, his rehab, his recovery. As much as we want him playing these games, the season opener in probably about four weeks is more important.” Clearly, while the team wants Watson to participate, they know the bigger picture is what matters most, and they’re focused on having him healthy when the regular season kicks off.
Watson, who’s only 22 years old, sustained the hamstring injury just days before training camp, according to team officials. Coming off a strong sophomore NBA season, Watson had carved out a meaningful role within Denver’s rotation, showcasing his defensive abilities and shot-blocking skills. He appeared in 80 games last season, and his 88 blocks off the bench highlighted his impact as a rim protector, a rarity for a player in his position. He was a key contributor until the second round of the playoffs when Coach Malone made the tough call to sideline him for tactical reasons against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The timing of Watson's injury is tough, especially considering how much work he put in over the summer. His offseason focus was on improving his shooting, an area where he struggled last season. He shot just 29.6% from 3-point range during the regular season and an even lower 25% in the playoffs, which allowed opposing defenses to leave him wide open on the perimeter. Watson is well aware of this weakness in his game, and he’s taken steps to improve.
“Definitely, a big point of emphasis this offseason was being in the gym shooting. I know that’s what I need to improve on, especially playing on this team with guys like Nikola (Jokic) and Jamal (Murray) who love to facilitate,” Watson said during media day on Thursday. “I spent all summer working with our shooting coach, Mike Penberthy, just trying to get better.”
Watson’s development is crucial for the Nuggets as they look to maintain their championship-caliber status. However, his exact role heading into the new season is still a bit of a question mark. He frequently played the power forward position (the “four”) with Denver’s bench unit last season, often occupying the dunker spot on offense. But at 6'7" and 200 pounds, Watson doesn’t exactly fit the mold of a traditional power forward. On the other hand, his versatility—both defensively and offensively—makes him a valuable asset. He’s shown promise as a defender, especially at the point of attack, and his rim protection is notable for someone in his position.
In today’s NBA, versatility is one of the most valuable traits a player can have. Coach Malone certainly seems to think so, as he emphasized Watson’s ability to fit into multiple roles on the court. “In today’s NBA, ‘versatility’ is such a key word,” Malone said. “Can he play along the dunker and mimic what Aaron Gordon does with Nikola? Of course he can. And I think he’s going to get better and better at that. Can he be a guy that catches on the perimeter and attacks the rim? We were, I think, 29th in free throw attempts per game last year. Peyton Watson should be living at the foul line. He has to have that attack mindset.”
It’s exciting to think about Watson’s potential, particularly on the defensive end. One of his standout traits is his ability to guard multiple positions. Malone is excited about this aspect of Watson’s game, noting that he can match up against some of the league’s biggest stars, like Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, and Karl-Anthony Towns, on any given night. “Defensively, what I love about Peyton is he can guard Steph Curry one night, Kevin Durant the next, and then maybe Karl-Anthony Towns the night after that,” Malone said. “It’s my job to put him on the best matchup for us. Who can he go out there and stop? That’s what’s exciting about him.”
Defense is where Watson really shines, and Coach Malone is pushing him to focus on becoming a dominant defender. “I think it’s important for Peyton to continue to work on his offensive craft, but always come into every game thinking, ‘How can I dominate defensively?’ When he does that, it ignites our break, and that’s when we’re at our best,” Malone explained.
Still, the Nuggets are hoping to see more improvement from Watson’s offensive game, particularly his shooting. The coaching staff has set an ambitious target for him, aiming for 35% from beyond the arc for the upcoming season, which would represent a significant jump from his previous percentages. Reaching that mark would be a major boost not just for Watson, but for the team’s offensive spacing, as Denver is in need of reliable shooters to complement their star players like Jokic and Murray.
One of the Nuggets’ biggest challenges this season will be replicating their success from last year while dealing with injuries and roster changes. They’re already facing an uphill battle with injuries, as Watson isn’t the only player on the sidelines. The team’s first-round draft pick, DaRon Holmes II, suffered a devastating Achilles tendon tear during his first Summer League game back in July, taking him out of commission for the foreseeable future. It’s a tough break for the Nuggets, as they had high hopes for Holmes after selecting him in the draft.
As the preseason approaches, the Nuggets will need to adjust and find ways to cope with these early setbacks. Watson’s injury means fewer opportunities to experiment during preseason games, which could slow the team’s efforts to figure out exactly where he fits in their rotation this year. However, with his defensive versatility and offseason work ethic, there’s plenty of optimism surrounding Watson’s future with the team.
While it’s disappointing to see Watson miss out on these early games, the Nuggets are playing the long game. They want him ready for the regular season and, more importantly, for another deep playoff run. And if Watson can continue developing his offensive game to match his defensive prowess, he could become an even more vital piece of Denver’s championship puzzle.
For now, it’s all about recovery, patience, and making sure the Nuggets are healthy and ready when it really counts.
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