NBA Notes: Draft, Darryn Peterson, Nuggets, Peyton Watson, Nets

“I’d never taken it before,” Peterson said. “They said when I dosed… it must’ve made the levels unsafe.”

The issue lingered all year, including a hospitalization in September after a full-body cramp. It stayed in the back of his mind.

“Whenever I felt anything like that come on… I didn’t know what was causing it,” he said. “Basketball is my life… but something was going on.”

Peterson has not had any issues since stopping the supplement, which could ease concerns for teams at the top of the draft. His stock slipped behind BYU’s AJ Dybantsa during the season, but this clarity may help stabilize it.

Nuggets

Denver has decisions to make, and they could get expensive.

Forward Peyton Watson is expected to draw significant interest as a restricted free agent, putting the Nuggets in position to either match or make a tough call, per the Denver Gazette’s Vinny Benedetto.

“We hope” Watson remains long term, team officials said, stopping short of guaranteeing anything.

Team president Josh Kroenke also voiced strong support for coach David Adelman and the staff, pointing to a 54-win season despite injuries.

“I thought that if this group was healthy, that this could be a 60-, 65-win team,” Kroenke said.

Adelman, meanwhile, pointed to areas that need improvement.

More ball-handling. More athleticism. Both have been exposed in back-to-back playoff runs.

Nets

There may have been more to Cam Thomas’ exit than just basketball.

Speaking on the Road Trippin’ podcast, Michael Porter Jr. suggested attitude and personality played a role, as relayed by Brian Lewis of the New York Post.

“There’s a lot more to the NBA… than just (scoring),” Porter said. “He doesn’t really talk to anybody.”

Thomas averaged nearly 23 points per game over a two-year stretch but struggled to secure a long-term role. He eventually signed a qualifying offer, was waived midseason, and bounced between teams.

“I don’t think he does it in a way where he’s trying to be a bad teammate,” Porter said. “I just think that’s him.”