The Cleveland Cavs are currently getting training camp underway as they prepare for the upcoming 2026-27 NBA season. The biggest addition for the Cavs this summer was wing Peyton Watson, for whom they signed and traded with the Denver Nuggets as they look for a long-term solution at the small forward spot.
Recently, Cavs franchise cornerstone Donovan Mitchell, who also re-signed with the team this summer, spoke on his first reaction to seeing Watson this offseason.
“I saw Peyton at the World Cup and I had told Koby (Altman), we were just talking briefly, it had nothing to do with him coming here. I was like, ‘Man, he’s tall as [expletive].’ I didn’t think he was that tall. Had no clue that that was even a thought,” said Mitchell, per Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com.
Indeed, Watson figures to disrupt many a passing lane this season with his length and versatility, and also showed a tremendous leap on offense last year for the Nuggets, particularly during the month-long stretch when Nikola Jokic was out of the lineup due to injury.
“Competing against him, just seeing the dog he has him, I didn’t even know he was 23, 24 years old because he plays as if he’s older. Obviously, playing on a contender in Denver, understanding what winning is and you guys have heard his comments about just wanting to make winning plays,” Mitchell added.
If Watson can provide the serviceable play the Cavs have been searching for at the three spot over the years, the team could finally take the next step and truly compete for a title in 2026-27.
Cleveland will start its season on October 22 vs the Philadelphia 76ers.