Peyton Watson is nothing but a bundle of energy on the field. For these third-year Denver Nuggets, you come off the bench and press the gas at crucial moments. Last night, in the Friday night game against the Dallas Mavericks, it was no difference at all. After the match, however, Watson showed a lighter and much more relaxed side to his character. Despite the painful loss to the Mavs, the rising star gave his flowers to Kyrie Irving, citing a healthy memory.

After the 123-120 loss, Watson addressed the press on behalf of the Nuggets. In the last few games, the 22-year-old has cemented a place in the starting line-up as a replacement for the injured Aaron Gordon. Before addressing the press, the rising star received a signed shirt from Kai, which they exchanged after the match.

A reporter, cashing in on the moment, asked: “What does Kyrie mean to you?” In response, Peyton Watson said without hesitation: “He means a lot to me. I just mean basketball memories in general. I’m a fan of him and LeBron in Cleveland.” He then talked about his special memory from high school, saying: “When I was in high school I had the opportunity to train with him and KD.

He added: “They invited me to play sports when I was 16 years old during the pandemic and it felt like early Christmas. It really meant a lot to me, especially that they believed in me and told me that one day I could reach that level, so it means a lot to me that I really look up to Kyrie. Watson seemed to have come full circle early on, as he went from fanboying Kyrie Irving to trading jerseys with him. Truly a moment to live for!

Has Peyton Watson impressed Kyrie Irving & Co.? during high school?

“When I got there, I came to play with the ball and show what I could do. Show my talent… I didn’t want to be one of those guys who just wanted to be there. I went there and challenged people. I was scoring.” This was Peyton Watson’s take on his teenage challenge against KD and Kyrie.

The Brooklyn Nets duo and several players had invited the high school ballers to a game at the West Los Angeles gym. Watson, who clearly intended to stand out from his peers, did exactly what he set out to do. The starlet even defeated Irving in a one-on-one battle.

And this is what Uncle Drew had to say about their match-ups, “I have to admit he scored on me a few times… We went for it. That to me was the telltale sign that he was going to be a good player in this league for a long time.” Well, Kyrie wasn’t lying, just months later Peyton found himself on a championship winning team. Not only that, but he has also built a reputation as an aggressive defender and agile shot blocker. Notably, he recently dropped a game-winning block on Shai-Gilgeous Alexander after missing two free throws. A few years later we might see a superstar. What do you think? Let us know in the comments below.