The Bucks were heavily linked to Peyton Watson in the offseason, but he ended up with the Cavaliers after Milwaukee wasn’t willing to trade a first-round pick for him. Although the Bucks might eventually regret that decision, they didn’t see anything in Watson’s Cavs debut to change their mind. Watson finished with just 8 points on 2-of-7 shooting as Cleveland blew a 29 point lead.
The Bucks are fine passing on Watson
At this point, the Bucks are more focused on developing potential future stars than getting solid play from role players. Watson has largely been a supporting piece throughout his career, and certainly filled into that role with Cleveland. During his previous tenure with the Nuggets, he was mostly known as a 3-and-D forward.
Watson could be a great role player for the Cavaliers, but the Bucks needed more creation from a big offseason move. They’d rather have a starting forward who can get his own shot off against tough defenses and even make plays for his teammates.
Between Watson’s pricey new contract (4 years and $88 million) and the first-round pick bounty that Denver demanded, the Bucks didn’t have the logistical room to acquire him. They have their own salary cap issues tied up in other players; taking an expensive risk on Watson could only make it worse. And of course, the Bucks shouldn’t be trading away picks as they rebuild.
Watson could’ve looked better in Milwaukee
The Bucks could’ve given Watson more opportunities with the ball in his hands. He played well in rare instances when he was a featured option for the Nuggets last season. But the Bucks couldn’t rely on him to maintain that production, or even improve, as a leading scorer over an entire season.
When Watson was involved in actions during his Cavs debut, the results were uninspiring. Cleveland had a couple of costly turnovers on pick-and-rolls with him involved, as either the roller or ball handler. In fact, Watson finished with 5 turnovers despite not being a primary ball handler throughout the game.
If he’s having that much trouble in Cleveland, with multiple other All-Stars around him, there’s no telling how uncomfortable he would’ve been on the Bucks. Opposing defenses could’ve keyed in on Watson if he was Buck, pressuring him much more than what he faced in his Bucks debut. Although, to be fair, he could’ve gotten better spacing since the Bucks have more shooters in their starting lineup than the Cavs.
Watson should improve as he gets more comfortable in the Cavs system. But for now, he remains a non-controversy for the Bucks. Milwaukee fans aren’t thinking twice about their team’s decision to pass on a big trade for him.
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