Denver wing Peyton Watson, set to enter restricted free agency after the season, is strengthening his case for a lucrative new deal by flashing classic 3-and-D credentials, according to the Denver Post. Pressed into the starting lineup while Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun recover from injuries, the second-year forward has posted career-best scoring nights in back-to-back games—32 points against New Orleans and 27 against Memphis—while sinking multiple corner threes in each outing.
Holmes rotates between NBA and G League
First-round rookie DaRon Holmes, limited to two NBA appearances so far, was recently recalled from the G League for a brief stint with the parent club. Interim head coach David Adelman said the organization wants young players to spend periodic time with the Nuggets to maintain chemistry and communication. “If you leave guys down there too long, it’s unfair to them as professionals,” Adelman told reporters, adding that the staff will keep rotating prospects between Denver and its affiliate.
Hardaway Jr. thriving off the bench
Tim Hardaway Jr.’s former college and high-school coaches told the Post that the veteran guard is embracing an ideal supporting role. Signed to a one-year contract in the summer, Hardaway is averaging 11.1 points as Denver’s sixth man.
Jokic’s highlight passes, team earns A-
In a recent mailbag column, beat writer Bennett Durando ranked the top five passes he has witnessed from Nikola Jokic and handed the Nuggets an A- grade through the season’s first quarter. Durando cited two unexpected home losses to lesser opponents as the only blemish keeping Denver from a straight-A report.
Source: Hoops Rumors
