In the summer, the LA Clippers were in the mix for a highly coveted restricted free agent: Peyton Watson. Because he showed nearly every sign in the book that he was on the verge of a breakout in his final year with the Denver Nuggets, the Clippers were reportedly among the top teams chasing him. In the end, the Cleveland Cavaliers won, giving up an unprotected first-round pick and Max Strus to get Watson.
Honestly, though, based on what we’ve seen so far, the Clippers should be glad they didn’t win the race for Watson. He’s underperformed, averaging 11.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.8 assists, and shooting 38.0% from the field and 23.8% from beyond the arc.
Sitting at 6-5, the Cavaliers are feeling the impact of his lack of production, along with several others.
If Peyton Watson continues to disappoint, the LA Clippers will have dodged a bullet
With the Cleveland Cavaliers having played only 11 games thus far, it’s too early to conclude. But the numbers and film Peyton Watson has put up still hold value, and if he keeps up this pace, missing out on him will be seen as a blessing in disguise for the LA Clippers.
In fact, Watson has had multiple games where he was a complete non-factor offensively. In the season opener, he scored just 8 points, shooting 2-7, and recorded five turnovers; In Atlanta, he put up five points, nearly fouled out with five personal fouls, and shot 1-8; In Milwaukee, he scored just five points, shooting 2-6; and in New York, he shot 2-12 and scored just seven points.
On the defensive side of the ball, Watson's play has been a sight to see. He brings length and size, which has allowed him to hold his ground on the ball, off the ball, in the paint, and on the help side.
However, for a player deemed a two-way star on the rise, his offensive work has been abysmal.
And, to think the Clippers would’ve given the Nuggets an arm and a leg at a time when they can’t afford to trade much, and then paid Watson the hefty extension he desired, there is no doubt they would’ve regretted their decision to trade for him.
So, at the end of the day, everything seems to have worked out to the Clippers’ best interest. That could, of course, change over time.
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