Peyton Watson: Difference between revisions

Peyton Watson
	Watson with UCLA in 2021
No. 8 – Denver Nuggets
Position	Shooting guard / small forward
League	NBA
Personal information
Born	September 11, 2002 (age 22); Beverly Hills, California, U.S.
Listed height	6 ft 7 in (2.01 m)
Listed weight	200 lb (91 kg)
Career information
High school	Long Beach Poly; (Long Beach, California)
College	UCLA (2021–2022)
NBA draft	2022: 1st round, 30th overall pick
	Selected by the Oklahoma City Thunder
Playing career	2022–present
Career history
2022–present	Denver Nuggets
2022–2023	→Grand Rapids Gold
Career highlights and awards
	NBA champion (2023); McDonald's All-American (2021);
	Stats at NBA.com
	Stats at Basketball Reference
Men's basketball
Representing United States
FIBA Under-19 World Cup

Browse history interactively

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Revision as of 07:04, 27 November 2024

Peyton Tyler Watson (born September 11, 2002^[1]) is an American professional basketball player for the Denver Nuggets of the National Basketball Association (NBA). A McDonald's All-American in high school, he played one season of college basketball for the UCLA Bruins. Watson was selected in the first round of the 2022 NBA draft with the 30th overall pick.

High school career

Watson attended Long Beach Polytechnic High School in Long Beach, California, joining the varsity team as a freshman.^[2] After coming off the bench earlier in his career,^[3] he assumed a leading role in his junior season.^[4] He averaged 23.2 points and eight rebounds per game,^[5] earning Moore League MVP honors.^[6] He was named to the rosters for the McDonald's All-American, Jordan Brand Classic and Nike Hoop Summit.^[7]

Recruiting

Watson was a consensus five-star recruit, one of the top small forwards and the highest-ranked player from California in the 2021 recruiting class.^[8] On July 27, 2020, he committed to playing college basketball for UCLA over offers from Arizona, Gonzaga, Michigan, Oregon and Washington.^[9] He was frank with the Bruins coaching staff that he intended to be a one-and-done player, leaving for the NBA after one year in college.^[10]

College recruiting information
Name	Hometown	High school / college	Height	Weight	Commit date
Peyton Watson SF	Long Beach, CA	Long Beach Poly (CA)	6 ft 7 in (2.01 m)	180 lb (82 kg)	Jul 27, 2020
Peyton Watson SF	Star ratings: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: ESPN grade: 94
Overall recruiting rankings: Rivals: 12 247Sports: 8 ESPN: 12
Note: In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN may conflict in their listings of height and weight. In these cases, the average was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale. Sources: "UCLA 2021 Basketball Commitments". Rivals.com. Retrieved September 17, 2021. "2021 UCLA Bruins Recruiting Class". ESPN.com. Retrieved September 17, 2021. "2021 Team Ranking". Rivals.com. Retrieved September 17, 2021.

College career

As a freshman at the University of California, Los Angeles in 2021–22, Watson arrived out of shape, primarily due to his high school senior season being disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.^[10] He joined an experienced UCLA group that had advanced to the Final Four of the NCAA tournament a year earlier.^[11] All five starters returned, and he received no guarantees about his playing time.^[12] Watson's defense was more advanced than his offense. However, the Bruins had other established scorers.^[11] He received honorable mention for the Pac-12 All-Freshman Team.^[13] He averaged 3.3 points and 2.9 rebounds in 12.6 minutes per game, and made just 32.2% of his field goals and 22.6% of his three-pointers. His playing time was sporadic, and he logged 10 minutes or more in just two out of the last seven games of the season.^[14] After the season, Watson declared for the NBA draft, forgoing his remaining college eligibility.^[15]

Professional career

Watson was selected by the Oklahoma City Thunder in first round of the 2022 NBA draft with the 30th overall pick.^[16] He was then traded to the Denver Nuggets along with two future second-round picks for JaMychal Green and a 2027 protected first-round draft pick.^[17] Possessing a wide wingspan, Watson was projected as a long-term project and expected to spend time developing with the Grand Rapids Gold of the NBA G League.^[18] Watson ended his rookie season as an NBA champion when the Nuggets defeated the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals.

National team career

Watson represented the United States at the 2021 FIBA Under-19 World Cup in Latvia. He averaged four points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game, helping his team win the gold medal.^[19]

Career statistics

Legend
GP	Games played	GS	Games started	MPG	Minutes per game
FG%	Field goal percentage	3P%	3-point field goal percentage	FT%	Free throw percentage
RPG	Rebounds per game	APG	Assists per game	SPG	Steals per game
BPG	Blocks per game	PPG	Points per game	Bold	Career high
†	Won an NBA championship

NBA

Regular season


Year	Team	GP	GS	MPG	FG%	3P%	FT%	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	PPG
2022–23^†	Denver	23	2	8.1	.492	.429	.550	1.6	.5	.1	.5	3.3
2023–24	Denver	80	4	18.6	.465	.296	.670	3.2	1.1	.5	1.1	6.7
Career		103	6	16.3	.468	.307	.651	2.9	.9	.4	1.0	5.9

Playoffs


Year	Team	GP	MPG	FG%	3P%	FT%	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	PPG
2023^†	Denver	5	2.7	.400	.500	—	.8	.2	.0	.2	1.0
2024	Denver	10	9.0	.250	.250	.500	1.5	.4	.0	.6	1.8
Career		15	6.9	.276	.286	.500	1.3	.3	.0	.5	1.5

College


Year	Team	GP	GS	MPG	FG%	3P%	FT%	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	PPG
2021–22	UCLA	32	0	12.7	.322	.226	.688	2.9	.8	.6	.6	3.3

Source:^[20]

Personal life

Watson's father, Julio, is a medical device representative, and his mother is an event planner. He has a younger brother, Christian, who plays basketball at Long Beach Polytechnic High School, and a younger sister, Jolie Grace.^[21]

References

^ "Peyton Watson". fiba.basketball. Retrieved July 29, 2021.
^ Bien-Kahn, Joseph (June 11, 2020). "Peyton Watson's Crash Course in Stardom". Bleacher Report. Retrieved April 27, 2021.
^ Morales, Robert (December 30, 2019). "Long Beach Poly guard Peyton Watson helping young Jackrabbits grow". Press-Telegram. Retrieved April 27, 2021.
^ Guardabascio, Mike (July 9, 2019). "Next One Up: Peyton Watson, Long Beach Poly Basketball". The 562. Retrieved April 27, 2021.
^ "USA TODAY High School Sports Awards: Los Angeles boys basketball nominees". USA Today. April 22, 2020. Retrieved April 27, 2021.
^ Morales, Robert (April 23, 2021). "UCLA's tournament run brought joy to Long Beach Poly coach Shelton Diggs". Press-Telegram. Retrieved April 28, 2021.
^ Guardabascio, Mike (February 24, 2021). "Long Beach Poly's Peyton Watson Named McDonald's All-American". The 562. Retrieved April 28, 2021.
^ Bolch, Ben (July 27, 2020). "Familiarity breeds content as top prospect Peyton Watson picks UCLA". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved April 27, 2021.
^ Borzello, Jeff (July 27, 2020). "Top California prospect Peyton Watson commits to UCLA". ESPN. Retrieved April 27, 2021.
^ ^a ^b Davis, Seth (June 24, 2022). "What Peyton Watson brings to the Denver Nuggets: 'The mystery man of the draft'". The Athletic. Retrieved June 25, 2022.
^ ^a ^b Bolch, Ben (February 2, 2022). "Making defense seem elementary, Peyton Watson quickly becomes a UCLA star". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved March 1, 2022.
^ DeCourcy, Mike (November 23, 2021). "Top freshman Peyton Watson takes shot at helping UCLA skip First Four and head straight toward Final Four". Sporting News. Retrieved March 9, 2022.
^ Allen, Trevor (March 8, 2022). "Utah Basketball Standouts Carlson, Stefanovic Receive All-Pac-12 Honors". KSLSports.com. Retrieved March 9, 2022.
^ Bolch, Ben (April 12, 2022). "Peyton Watson announces he's leaving UCLA after one season, entering NBA draft". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved April 15, 2022.
^ Royer, Benjamin (April 12, 2022). "UCLA Men's Basketball G/F Peyton Watson Declares For 2022 NBA Draft, To Hire Agent". Retrieved April 12, 2022.
^ Grosbard, Adam (June 23, 2022). "NBA Draft: UCLA's Peyton Watson to Nuggets, USC's Isaiah Mobley to Cavs". Los Angeles Daily News. Retrieved June 24, 2022.
^ Gutterman, Ron (June 23, 2022). "Nuggets Acquire Peyton Watson In Trade With Thunder". NBA.com. Retrieved June 24, 2022.
^ Singer, Mike (July 25, 2022). "Nuggets rookie Peyton Watson flashes vast potential at Summer League showcase". The Denver Post. Retrieved October 18, 2022.
^ "Peyton Watson (USA)'s profile – FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup 2021". FIBA. Retrieved July 12, 2021.
^ "Peyton Watson College Stats". College Basketball at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved March 27, 2022.
^ Archbold, Rich (December 4, 2020). "Peyton Watson, Poly High star, helps Long Beach Boys & Girls Clubs; you can help, too!". Press-Telegram. Retrieved April 28, 2021.

External links

Career statistics from NBA.com and Basketball Reference
UCLA Bruins bio
USA Basketball bio

[1] "Peyton Watson". fiba.basketball. Retrieved July 29, 2021.

[2] Bien-Kahn, Joseph (June 11, 2020). "Peyton Watson's Crash Course in Stardom". Bleacher Report. Retrieved April 27, 2021.

[3] Morales, Robert (December 30, 2019). "Long Beach Poly guard Peyton Watson helping young Jackrabbits grow". Press-Telegram. Retrieved April 27, 2021.

[4] Guardabascio, Mike (July 9, 2019). "Next One Up: Peyton Watson, Long Beach Poly Basketball". The 562. Retrieved April 27, 2021.

[5] "USA TODAY High School Sports Awards: Los Angeles boys basketball nominees". USA Today. April 22, 2020. Retrieved April 27, 2021.

[6] Morales, Robert (April 23, 2021). "UCLA's tournament run brought joy to Long Beach Poly coach Shelton Diggs". Press-Telegram. Retrieved April 28, 2021.

[7] Guardabascio, Mike (February 24, 2021). "Long Beach Poly's Peyton Watson Named McDonald's All-American". The 562. Retrieved April 28, 2021.

[8] Bolch, Ben (July 27, 2020). "Familiarity breeds content as top prospect Peyton Watson picks UCLA". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved April 27, 2021.

[9] Borzello, Jeff (July 27, 2020). "Top California prospect Peyton Watson commits to UCLA". ESPN. Retrieved April 27, 2021.

[davis_06242022-10] Davis, Seth (June 24, 2022). "What Peyton Watson brings to the Denver Nuggets: 'The mystery man of the draft'". The Athletic. Retrieved June 25, 2022.

[bolch_02022022-11] Bolch, Ben (February 2, 2022). "Making defense seem elementary, Peyton Watson quickly becomes a UCLA star". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved March 1, 2022.

[12] DeCourcy, Mike (November 23, 2021). "Top freshman Peyton Watson takes shot at helping UCLA skip First Four and head straight toward Final Four". Sporting News. Retrieved March 9, 2022.

[13] Allen, Trevor (March 8, 2022). "Utah Basketball Standouts Carlson, Stefanovic Receive All-Pac-12 Honors". KSLSports.com. Retrieved March 9, 2022.

[14] Bolch, Ben (April 12, 2022). "Peyton Watson announces he's leaving UCLA after one season, entering NBA draft". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved April 15, 2022.

[15] Royer, Benjamin (April 12, 2022). "UCLA Men's Basketball G/F Peyton Watson Declares For 2022 NBA Draft, To Hire Agent". Retrieved April 12, 2022.

[16] Grosbard, Adam (June 23, 2022). "NBA Draft: UCLA's Peyton Watson to Nuggets, USC's Isaiah Mobley to Cavs". Los Angeles Daily News. Retrieved June 24, 2022.

[17] Gutterman, Ron (June 23, 2022). "Nuggets Acquire Peyton Watson In Trade With Thunder". NBA.com. Retrieved June 24, 2022.

[18] Singer, Mike (July 25, 2022). "Nuggets rookie Peyton Watson flashes vast potential at Summer League showcase". The Denver Post. Retrieved October 18, 2022.

[19] "Peyton Watson (USA)'s profile – FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup 2021". FIBA. Retrieved July 12, 2021.

[20] "Peyton Watson College Stats". College Basketball at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved March 27, 2022.

[21] Archbold, Rich (December 4, 2020). "Peyton Watson, Poly High star, helps Long Beach Boys & Girls Clubs; you can help, too!". Press-Telegram. Retrieved April 28, 2021.

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@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-{{short description|American basketball player}}
+{{Short description|American basketball player (born 2002)}}
+{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2024}}
 {{Infobox basketball biography
 | name = Peyton Watson
@@ Line 8: / Line 9: @@
 | height_ft = 6
 | height_in = 7
-| weight_lbs = 200
+| weight_lb = 200
-| league = [[National Basketball Association|NBA]]
+| league = [[NBA]]
 | team = Denver Nuggets
 | number = 8
@@ Line 26: / Line 27: @@
 | years2 = [[2022–23 NBA G League season|2022–2023]]
 | team2 = →[[Grand Rapids Gold]]
-| highlights =  * [[List of NBA champions|NBA champion]] ([[2023 NBA Finals|2023]])
+| highlights = * [[NBA champion]] ([[2023 NBA Finals|2023]])
 * [[McDonald's All-American Game|McDonald's All-American]] ([[2021 McDonald's All-American Boys Game|2021]])
 | medal_templates = {{MedalSport|Men's [[basketball]]}}
@@ Line 36: / Line 37: @@
 ==High school career==
-Watson attended [[Long Beach Polytechnic High School]] in [[Long Beach, California]], joining the [[varsity team]] as a freshman.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Bien-Kahn |first1=Joseph |title=Peyton Watson's Crash Course in Stardom |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2895284-peyton-watsons-crash-course-in-stardom |website=[[Bleacher Report]] |access-date=April 27, 2021 |date=June 11, 2020}}</ref> After coming off the bench earlier in his career,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Morales |first1=Robert |title=Long Beach Poly guard Peyton Watson helping young Jackrabbits grow |url=https://www.presstelegram.com/2019/12/30/morales-long-beach-poly-guard-peyton-watson-helping-young-jackrabbits-grow/ |website=[[Press-Telegram]] |access-date=April 27, 2021 |date=December 30, 2019}}</ref> he assumed a leading role in his junior season.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Guardabascio |first1=Mike |title=Next One Up: Peyton Watson, Long Beach Poly Basketball |url=https://www.the562.org/2019/07/09/next-one-up-peyton-watson-long-beach-poly-basketball/ |website=The 562 |access-date=April 27, 2021 |date=July 9, 2019}}</ref> He averaged 23.2 points and eight [[rebound (basketball)|rebounds]] per game,<ref>{{cite web |title=USA TODAY High School Sports Awards: Los Angeles boys basketball nominees |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/highschool/2020/04/22/usa-today-hs-sports-awards-los-angeles-boys-basketball-nominees/2998404001/ |website=[[USA Today]] |access-date=April 27, 2021 |date=April 22, 2020}}</ref> earning [[Moore League]] MVP honors.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Morales |first1=Robert |title=UCLA’s tournament run brought joy to Long Beach Poly coach Shelton Diggs |url=https://www.presstelegram.com/2021/04/23/uclas-tournament-run-brought-joy-to-long-beach-poly-coach-shelton-diggs/ |website=[[Press-Telegram]] |access-date=April 28, 2021 |date=April 23, 2021}}</ref> He was named to the rosters for the [[McDonald's All-American Game|McDonald's All-American]], [[Jordan Brand Classic]] and [[Nike Hoop Summit]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Guardabascio |first1=Mike |title=Long Beach Poly’s Peyton Watson Named McDonald’s All-American |url=https://www.the562.org/2021/02/24/long-beach-polys-peyton-watson-named-mcdonalds-all-american/ |website=The 562 |access-date=April 28, 2021 |date=February 24, 2021}}</ref>
+Watson attended [[Long Beach Polytechnic High School]] in [[Long Beach, California]], joining the [[varsity team]] as a freshman.<ref>{{cite web |last=Bien-Kahn |first=Joseph |title=Peyton Watson's Crash Course in Stardom |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2895284-peyton-watsons-crash-course-in-stardom |website=[[Bleacher Report]] |access-date=April 27, 2021 |date=June 11, 2020}}</ref> After coming off the bench earlier in his career,<ref>{{cite web |last=Morales |first=Robert |title=Long Beach Poly guard Peyton Watson helping young Jackrabbits grow |url=https://www.presstelegram.com/2019/12/30/morales-long-beach-poly-guard-peyton-watson-helping-young-jackrabbits-grow/ |website=[[Press-Telegram]] |access-date=April 27, 2021 |date=December 30, 2019}}</ref> he assumed a leading role in his junior season.<ref>{{cite web |last=Guardabascio |first=Mike |title=Next One Up: Peyton Watson, Long Beach Poly Basketball |url=https://www.the562.org/2019/07/09/next-one-up-peyton-watson-long-beach-poly-basketball/ |website=The 562 |access-date=April 27, 2021 |date=July 9, 2019}}</ref> He averaged 23.2 points and eight [[rebound (basketball)|rebounds]] per game,<ref>{{cite web |title=USA TODAY High School Sports Awards: Los Angeles boys basketball nominees |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/highschool/2020/04/22/usa-today-hs-sports-awards-los-angeles-boys-basketball-nominees/2998404001/ |website=[[USA Today]] |access-date=April 27, 2021 |date=April 22, 2020}}</ref> earning [[Moore League]] MVP honors.<ref>{{cite web |last=Morales |first=Robert |title=UCLA's tournament run brought joy to Long Beach Poly coach Shelton Diggs |url=https://www.presstelegram.com/2021/04/23/uclas-tournament-run-brought-joy-to-long-beach-poly-coach-shelton-diggs/ |website=[[Press-Telegram]] |access-date=April 28, 2021 |date=April 23, 2021}}</ref> He was named to the rosters for the [[McDonald's All-American Game|McDonald's All-American]], [[Jordan Brand Classic]] and [[Nike Hoop Summit]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Guardabascio |first=Mike |title=Long Beach Poly's Peyton Watson Named McDonald's All-American |url=https://www.the562.org/2021/02/24/long-beach-polys-peyton-watson-named-mcdonalds-all-american/ |website=The 562 |access-date=April 28, 2021 |date=February 24, 2021}}</ref>
 ===Recruiting===
-Watson was a consensus five-star [[college recruiting|recruit]], one of the top [[small forward]]s and the highest-ranked player from California in the 2021 recruiting class.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Bolch |first1=Ben |title=Familiarity breeds content as top prospect Peyton Watson picks UCLA |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/ucla/story/2020-07-27/peyton-watson-picks-ucla |website=[[Los Angeles Times]] |access-date=April 27, 2021 |date=July 27, 2020}}</ref> On July 27, 2020, he committed to playing college basketball for [[UCLA Bruins men's basketball|UCLA]] over offers from [[Arizona Wildcats men's basketball|Arizona]], [[Gonzaga Bulldogs men's basketball|Gonzaga]], [[Michigan Wolverines men's basketball|Michigan]], [[Oregon Ducks men's basketball|Oregon]] and [[Washington Huskies men's basketball|Washington]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Borzello |first1=Jeff |title=Top California prospect Peyton Watson commits to UCLA |url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/29549961/top-california-prospect-peyton-watson-commits-ucla |website=[[ESPN]] |access-date=April 27, 2021 |date=July 27, 2020}}</ref> He was frank with the Bruins coaching staff that he intended to be a [[one-and-done player]], leaving for the NBA after one year in college.<ref name=davis_06242022>{{cite news|first=Seth|last=Davis|title=What Peyton Watson brings to the Denver Nuggets: 'The mystery man of the draft'|date=June 24, 2022|work=The Athletic|url=https://theathletic.com/3374282/2022/06/23/peyton-watson-nba-draft-denver-nuggets/|url-access=subscription|access-date=June 25, 2022}}</ref>
+Watson was a consensus five-star [[college recruiting|recruit]], one of the top [[small forward]]s and the highest-ranked player from California in the 2021 recruiting class.<ref>{{cite web |last=Bolch |first=Ben |title=Familiarity breeds content as top prospect Peyton Watson picks UCLA |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/ucla/story/2020-07-27/peyton-watson-picks-ucla |website=[[Los Angeles Times]] |access-date=April 27, 2021 |date=July 27, 2020}}</ref> On July 27, 2020, he committed to playing college basketball for [[UCLA Bruins men's basketball|UCLA]] over offers from [[Arizona Wildcats men's basketball|Arizona]], [[Gonzaga Bulldogs men's basketball|Gonzaga]], [[Michigan Wolverines men's basketball|Michigan]], [[Oregon Ducks men's basketball|Oregon]] and [[Washington Huskies men's basketball|Washington]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Borzello |first=Jeff |date=July 27, 2020 |title=Top California prospect Peyton Watson commits to UCLA |url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/29549961 |access-date=April 27, 2021 |website=[[ESPN]]}}</ref> He was frank with the Bruins coaching staff that he intended to be a [[one-and-done player]], leaving for the NBA after one year in college.<ref name=davis_06242022>{{cite news|first=Seth|last=Davis|title=What Peyton Watson brings to the Denver Nuggets: 'The mystery man of the draft'|date=June 24, 2022|work=The Athletic|url=https://theathletic.com/3374282/2022/06/23/peyton-watson-nba-draft-denver-nuggets/|url-access=subscription|access-date=June 25, 2022}}</ref>
 {{College Athlete Recruit Start|40=no|collapse=no|year=2021}}
@@ Line 45: / Line 46: @@
 | recruit  = Peyton Watson
 | position = [[Small forward|SF]]
-| hometown = [[Long Beach, California|Long Beach, CA]]
+| hometown = [[Long Beach, CA]]
 | highschool = [[Long Beach Polytechnic High School|Long Beach Poly]] (CA)
 | feet   = 6
@@ Line 75: / Line 76: @@
 ==College career==
-As a freshman at the [[University of California, Los Angeles]] in [[2021–22 UCLA Bruins men's basketball team|2021–22]], Watson arrived out of shape, primarily due to his high school senior season being disrupted by the [[COVID-19 pandemic in the United States|COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref name=davis_06242022/> He joined an experienced UCLA group that had advanced to the [[Final Four]] of the [[NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament|NCAA tournament]] a year earlier.<ref name=bolch_02022022/> All five starters returned, and he received no guarantees about his playing time.<ref>{{cite news|first=Mike|last=DeCourcy|title=Top freshman Peyton Watson takes shot at helping UCLA skip First Four and head straight toward Final Four|date=November 23, 2021|work=Sporting News|url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/ncaa-basketball/news/peyton-watson-freshman-ucla-final-four/1tn3o4v6q0skc12ose61hp9nlm|access-date=March 9, 2022}}</ref> Watson's defense was more advanced than his offense. However, the Bruins had other established scorers.<ref name=bolch_02022022>{{cite news|first=Ben|last=Bolch|title=Making defense seem elementary, Peyton Watson quickly becomes a UCLA star|date=February 2, 2022|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/ucla/story/2022-02-02/making-defense-seem-elementary-peyton-watson-becomes-ucla-basketball-star|access-date=March 1, 2022}}</ref> He received honorable mention for the Pac-12 All-Freshman Team.<ref>{{cite news|first=Trevor|last=Allen|title=Utah Basketball Standouts Carlson, Stefanovic Receive All-Pac-12 Honors|date=March 8, 2022|website=KSLSports.com|url=https://kslsports.com/481664/utah-basketball-standouts-carlson-stefanovic-receive-all-pac-12-honors/|access-date=March 9, 2022}}</ref> He averaged 3.3 points and 2.9 rebounds in 12.6 minutes per game, and made just 32.2% of his [[field goal (basketball)|field goals]] and 22.6% of his [[three-point field goal|3-pointers]]. His playing time was sporadic, and he logged 10 minutes or more in just two out of the last seven games of the season.<ref>{{cite news|first=Ben|last=Bolch|title=Peyton Watson announces he’s leaving UCLA after one season, entering NBA draft|date=April 12, 2022|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/ucla/story/2022-04-12/peyton-watson-announces-leaving-ucla-entering-nba-draft|accessdate=April 15, 2022}}</ref> After the season, Watson [[NBA draft declaration|declared for the NBA draft]], forgoing his remaining college eligibility.<ref>{{cite web|title=
+As a freshman at the [[University of California, Los Angeles]] in [[2021–22 UCLA Bruins men's basketball team|2021–22]], Watson arrived out of shape, primarily due to his high school senior season being disrupted by the [[COVID-19 pandemic in the United States|COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref name=davis_06242022/> He joined an experienced UCLA group that had advanced to the [[Final Four]] of the [[NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament|NCAA tournament]] a year earlier.<ref name=bolch_02022022/> All five starters returned, and he received no guarantees about his playing time.<ref>{{cite news|first=Mike|last=DeCourcy|title=Top freshman Peyton Watson takes shot at helping UCLA skip First Four and head straight toward Final Four|date=November 23, 2021|work=Sporting News|url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/ncaa-basketball/news/peyton-watson-freshman-ucla-final-four/1tn3o4v6q0skc12ose61hp9nlm|access-date=March 9, 2022}}</ref> Watson's defense was more advanced than his offense. However, the Bruins had other established scorers.<ref name=bolch_02022022>{{cite news|first=Ben|last=Bolch|title=Making defense seem elementary, Peyton Watson quickly becomes a UCLA star|date=February 2, 2022|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/ucla/story/2022-02-02/making-defense-seem-elementary-peyton-watson-becomes-ucla-basketball-star|access-date=March 1, 2022}}</ref> He received honorable mention for the [[Pac-12]] All-Freshman Team.<ref>{{cite news|first=Trevor|last=Allen|title=Utah Basketball Standouts Carlson, Stefanovic Receive All-Pac-12 Honors|date=March 8, 2022|website=KSLSports.com|url=https://kslsports.com/481664/utah-basketball-standouts-carlson-stefanovic-receive-all-pac-12-honors/|access-date=March 9, 2022}}</ref> He averaged 3.3 points and 2.9 rebounds in 12.6 minutes per game, and made just 32.2% of his [[field goal (basketball)|field goals]] and 22.6% of his [[three-pointers]]. His playing time was sporadic, and he logged 10 minutes or more in just two out of the last seven games of the season.<ref>{{cite news|first=Ben|last=Bolch|title=Peyton Watson announces he's leaving UCLA after one season, entering NBA draft|date=April 12, 2022|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/ucla/story/2022-04-12/peyton-watson-announces-leaving-ucla-entering-nba-draft|access-date=April 15, 2022}}</ref> After the season, Watson [[Eligibility for the NBA draft|declared for the NBA draft]], forgoing his remaining college eligibility.<ref>{{cite web|title=
-UCLA Men's Basketball G/F Peyton Watson Declares For 2022 NBA Draft, To Hire Agent|url=https://www.si.com/college/ucla/mens-basketball/ucla-mens-basketball-freshman-peyton-watson-declares-for-2022-nba-draft-to-hire-agent|first=Benjamin|last=Royer|date=April 12, 2022|accessdate=April 12, 2022}}</ref>
+UCLA Men's Basketball G/F Peyton Watson Declares For 2022 NBA Draft, To Hire Agent|url=https://www.si.com/college/ucla/mens-basketball/ucla-mens-basketball-freshman-peyton-watson-declares-for-2022-nba-draft-to-hire-agent|first=Benjamin|last=Royer|date=April 12, 2022|access-date=April 12, 2022}}</ref>
 ==Professional career==
-Watson was selected by the [[Oklahoma City Thunder]] in first round of the [[2022 NBA draft]] with the 30th overall pick.<ref>{{cite news|first=Adam|last=Grosbard|title=NBA Draft: UCLA’s Peyton Watson to Nuggets, USC’s Isaiah Mobley to Cavs|date=June 23, 2022|work=Los Angeles Daily News|url=https://www.dailynews.com/2022/06/23/nba-draft-uclas-peyton-watson-goes-to-nuggets-in-first-round/|access-date=June 24, 2022}}</ref> He was then traded to the [[Denver Nuggets]] along with two future second-round picks for [[JaMychal Green]] and a 2027 protected first-round draft pick.<ref>{{cite web|first=Ron|last=Gutterman|title=Nuggets Acquire Peyton Watson In Trade With Thunder|date=June 23, 2022|website=NBA.com|url=https://www.nba.com/nuggets/news/nuggets-acquire-peyton-watson-in-trade-with-thunder|access-date=June 24, 2022}}</ref> Possessing a wide wingspan, Watson was projected as a long-term project and expected to spend time developing with the [[Grand Rapids Gold]] of the [[NBA G League]].<ref>{{cite news|first=Mike|last=Singer|title=Nuggets rookie Peyton Watson flashes vast potential at Summer League showcase|date=July 25, 2022|work=The Denver Post|url=https://www.denverpost.com/2022/07/10/nuggets-rookie-peyton-watson-flashes-vast-potential-at-summer-league-showcase/|access-date=October 18, 2022}}</ref> Watson ended his rookie season as an [[NBA champion]] when the Nuggets defeated the [[Miami Heat]] in the [[2023 NBA Finals|NBA Finals]].
+Watson was selected by the [[Oklahoma City Thunder]] in first round of the [[2022 NBA draft]] with the 30th overall pick.<ref>{{cite news|first=Adam|last=Grosbard|title=NBA Draft: UCLA's Peyton Watson to Nuggets, USC's Isaiah Mobley to Cavs|date=June 23, 2022|work=Los Angeles Daily News|url=https://www.dailynews.com/2022/06/23/nba-draft-uclas-peyton-watson-goes-to-nuggets-in-first-round/|access-date=June 24, 2022}}</ref> He was then traded to the [[Denver Nuggets]] along with two future second-round picks for [[JaMychal Green]] and a 2027 protected first-round draft pick.<ref>{{cite web|first=Ron|last=Gutterman|title=Nuggets Acquire Peyton Watson In Trade With Thunder|date=June 23, 2022|website=NBA.com|url=https://www.nba.com/nuggets/news/nuggets-acquire-peyton-watson-in-trade-with-thunder|access-date=June 24, 2022}}</ref> Possessing a wide wingspan, Watson was projected as a long-term project and expected to spend time developing with the [[Grand Rapids Gold]] of the [[NBA G League]].<ref>{{cite news|first=Mike|last=Singer|title=Nuggets rookie Peyton Watson flashes vast potential at Summer League showcase|date=July 25, 2022|work=The Denver Post|url=https://www.denverpost.com/2022/07/10/nuggets-rookie-peyton-watson-flashes-vast-potential-at-summer-league-showcase/|access-date=October 18, 2022}}</ref> Watson ended his rookie season as an [[NBA champion]] when the Nuggets defeated the [[Miami Heat]] in the [[2023 NBA Finals|NBA Finals]].
 ==National team career==
@@ Line 93: / Line 94: @@
 | style="text-align:left; background:#afe6ba;"|{{nbay|2022}}<sup>†</sup>
 | style="text-align:left;"|[[2022–23 Denver Nuggets season|Denver]]
-| 23 || 2 || 8.1 || .492 || .429 || .550 || 1.6 || .5 || .1 || .5 || 3.3
+| 23 || 2 || 8.1 || '''.492''' || '''.429''' || .550 || 1.6 || .5 || .1 || .5 || 3.3
+|-
+| style="text-align:left;" |{{nbay|2023}}
+| style="text-align:left;"|[[2023–24 Denver Nuggets season|Denver]]
+| '''80''' || '''4''' || '''18.6''' || .465 || .296 || '''.670''' || '''3.2''' || '''1.1''' || '''.5''' || '''1.1''' || '''6.7'''
 |- class="sortbottom"
 | style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"|Career
-| 23 || 2 || 8.1 || .492 || .429 || .550 || 1.6 || .5 || .1 || .5 || 3.3
+| 103 || 6 || 16.3 || .468 || .307 || .651 || 2.9 || .9 || .4 || 1.0 || 5.9
 {{s-end}}
@@ Line 104: / Line 109: @@
 | style="text-align:left; background:#afe6ba;"|[[2023 NBA playoffs|2023]]<sup>†</sup>
 | style="text-align:left;"|[[2022–23 Denver Nuggets season|Denver]]
-| 5 || 0 || 2.7 || .400 || .500 || {{sort|-|–}} || .8 || .2 || .0 || .2 || 1.0
+| 5 || 0 || 2.7 || '''.400''' || '''.500''' || {{sort|-|—}} || .8 || .2 || .0 || .2 || 1.0
+|-
+| style="text-align:left;"|[[2024 NBA playoffs|2024]]
+| style="text-align:left;"|[[2023–24 Denver Nuggets season|Denver]]
+| '''10''' || 0 || '''9.0''' || .250 || .250 || .500 || '''1.5''' || '''.4''' || .0 || '''.6''' || '''1.8'''
 |- class="sortbottom"
 | style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"|Career
-| 5 || 0 || 2.7 || .400 || .500 || {{sort|-|–}} || .8 || .2 || .0 || .2 || 1.0
+| 15 || 0 || 6.9 || .276 || .286 || .500 || 1.3 || .3 || .0 || .5 || 1.5
 {{s-end}}
@@ Line 118: / Line 127: @@
 {{S-end}}
-Source: <ref>{{cite web|title=Peyton Watson College Stats|work=College Basketball at Sports-Reference.com|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/peyton-watson-1.html|access-date=March 27, 2022}}</ref>
+Source:<ref>{{cite web|title=Peyton Watson College Stats|work=College Basketball at Sports-Reference.com|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/peyton-watson-1.html|access-date=March 27, 2022}}</ref>
 ==Personal life==
-Watson's father, Julio, is a [[medical device]] representative, and his mother is an [[event management|event planner]]. He has a younger brother, Christian, who plays basketball at Long Beach Polytechnic High School, and a younger sister, Jolie Grace.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Archbold |first1=Rich |title=Peyton Watson, Poly High star, helps Long Beach Boys & Girls Clubs; you can help, too! |url=https://www.presstelegram.com/2020/12/04/peyton-watson-poly-high-basketball-star-helping-long-beach-boys-girls-clubs/ |website=[[Press-Telegram]] |access-date=April 28, 2021 |date=December 4, 2020}}</ref>
+Watson's father, Julio, is a [[medical device]] representative, and his mother is an [[event planner]]. He has a younger brother, Christian, who plays basketball at Long Beach Polytechnic High School, and a younger sister, Jolie Grace.<ref>{{cite web |last=Archbold |first=Rich |title=Peyton Watson, Poly High star, helps Long Beach Boys & Girls Clubs; you can help, too! |url=https://www.presstelegram.com/2020/12/04/peyton-watson-poly-high-basketball-star-helping-long-beach-boys-girls-clubs/ |website=[[Press-Telegram]] |access-date=April 28, 2021 |date=December 4, 2020}}</ref>
 ==References==
@@ Line 130: / Line 139: @@
 *{{basketballstats|nba=1631212|bbr=w/watsope01}}
 *[https://uclabruins.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/peyton-watson/10534 UCLA Bruins bio]
-*[https://www.usab.com/basketball/players/mens/enwiki/w/watson-peyton.aspx USA Basketball bio]
+*[https://web.archive.org/web/20210731183548/https://www.usab.com/basketball/players/mens/enwiki/w/watson-peyton.aspx USA Basketball bio]
 {{Denver Nuggets current roster}}
@@ Line 139: / Line 148: @@
 [[Category:2002 births]]
 [[Category:Living people]]
+[[Category:21st-century American sportsmen]]
 [[Category:American men's basketball players]]
 [[Category:Basketball players from Long Beach, California]]
@@ Line 144: / Line 154: @@
 [[Category:Grand Rapids Gold players]]
 [[Category:McDonald's High School All-Americans]]
+[[Category:NBA championship–winning players]]
 [[Category:Oklahoma City Thunder draft picks]]
 [[Category:Shooting guards]]

v t e Denver Nuggets 2022–23 NBA champions
0 Braun 1 Porter 5 Caldwell-Pope 6 Jordan 7 Jackson 8 Watson 10 White 11 Brown 13 Bryant 14 Smith 15 Jokić (Finals MVP) 21 Gillespie 22 Nnaji 27 Murray 31 Čančar 32 Green 50 Gordon
Head coach Malone
Assistant coaches Adelman Beckett Bowen Jones Klask Saunders Stojaković
Regular season Playoffs