Peyton Watson expressed his appreciation for Nikola Jokic and the impact the NBA superstar has had on his young career as he moves from Denver to Cleveland.
Peyton Watson has nothing but appreciation for Nikola Jokic.
During his introductory press conference as the newest member of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Watson offered significant perspective about the Serbian superstar's influence in his young NBA career.
"A lot," he told reporters. "I think my IQ for the game has gotten a lot better just playing with him, knowing the right places to be at the right times and knowing how to play with a superstar is something that's invaluable in this league with so much talent.
"I think you need to always know how to play off of other players and how to make other players better, even if you don't necessarily have the ball in your hands. Playing with him was something that definitely sharpened my IQ and just my overall mentality towards the game."
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Peyton Watson offers appreciation to Nikola Jokic
Peyton Watson entered the NBA as a raw, lanky prospect for the Denver Nuggets. Yet, seeing Nikola Jokic play and dominate on a nightly basis helped him adapt and grow as one of the league's rising wings.
Watson seized a breakout outing last NBA season, as he averaged a career-best 14.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists. Although he was limited to just 53 games, Watson fully showcased his talent during the rough portions of the Nuggets' season, especially when Jokic was recovering from a knee injury.
Sharing the court with Jokic for four seasons has prepared Watson to welcome a new chapter in Cleveland and join the Cavaliers' push for a title.
"I think when you come up as a highly touted guy and somebody who always is used to having the ball in their hands, it's a big adjustment for a lot of people, not only to check yourself and your ego, but to also go out there and play the game unselfishly and the way it's supposed to be played, especially given the track record of some of the talented guys in this league," Watson added.
"Coming into Denver, I just wanted to find ways to keep myself on the court, and that was one of those things that not only helped me individually, but also helped my career."
Nikola Jokic happy for Peyton Watson despite Nuggets exit
Peyton Watson and Nikola Jokic built a close relationship during their time together with the Nuggets. Although Watson has left Denver, the three-time MVP is still happy for him as he starts a new chapter with the Cavaliers.
Watson notably inked a four-year, $88 million contract as part of the sign-and-trade deal that sends him from the Nuggets to the Cavaliers.
"I'm glad for Peyton," Jokic said previously about Watson leaving Denver with a new contract. "He's a good man, really has a good energy, very good for the locker room.
"We will miss him for sure, but I can't be unhappy for him, he's a great guy."
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