Former UCLA Defensive Specialist Driving Up Stock in NBA Summer League

He's looking great out there!

There are not many rookies that are lucky enough to land on a contending franchise since day one and automatically be a part of a winning culture. But this is exactly what happened to former UCLA Bruin's wing Peyton Watson when he was selected by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the 2022 NBA Draft and then before playing a single game for them, he was traded away to the Denver Nuggets.

Seeing that the Nuggets already had plenty of rotational players in place and coming back from injury, welcoming in Watson was a move that was more for their future down the line. He got some reps in the G League and dominated as he was able to post averages of about 20 points, seven rebounds and three assists through seven games. He won an NBA championship, albeit out of the rotation, this summer.

And now that he's a key member of their 2023 Summer League squad, he is taking full advantage of the opportunity and making sure that his performances highlight his abilities to not only the Nuggets' coaching staff but also the NBA world.

Peyton Watson totaled a team-high 2️⃣3️⃣ points, 5️⃣ rebounds, 3️⃣ blocks & 3️⃣ steals for the @nuggets in Friday’s @NBASummerLeague action in Las Vegas.#NBABruins | @peytonwatson_ 🏀

🎥 via @NBA pic.twitter.com/dYfutBhGnw

— UCLA Men’s Basketball (@UCLAMBB) July 7, 2023

"Peyton Watson totaled a team-high 23 points, 5 rebounds, 3 blocks & 3 steals for the @nuggets in Friday’s @NBASummerLeague action in Las Vegas."

Watson was primarily known for his defense during his time with the Bruins its all-around games like these that truly show case his potential as a guy that could have a long career in the NBA. In order to last, you need to be able to hold your own on both ends of the floor and defense has never been an issue with him.

When it came to his time with the main roster last season, Watson appeared in 23 games with Denver where he averaged just eight minutes of floor time and recorded about three points and one rebound each match. Let's see if he can earn a bigger role once training camp rolls around!