Peyton Watson could be Cavs’ biggest X-factor

The Cavaliers know what they have in Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. Peyton Watson is the mystery.

Mack Perry of Cavaliers On SI made the case that Watson could become Cleveland’s biggest X-factor this season.

That’s Perry’s assessment, not a prediction from the organization. It’s also difficult to argue with.

Watson arrives with an established reputation as a long, versatile defender who can hit open threes. He shot 46.5 percent on catch-and-shoot opportunities last season and approximately 52 percent from the corners, according to the data cited by Perry.

That version of Watson already helps the Cavs. They needed another athletic wing capable of defending multiple positions without requiring the ball. The larger question is whether he can become more.

“I did work myself into that archetype of 3-and-D,” Watson said during his introductory press conference. “But I see so, so much for myself and so much in the potential that I have to continue to grow and get better that I never like to box myself in one category.”

As Hoops Wire noted, Watson prefers a simpler description: “I’m just Peyton Watson.”

There is evidence behind the ambition. During a January stretch with Denver, Watson averaged 21.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.0 steal and 1.5 blocks while shooting 49 percent overall and 46 percent from three.

Cleveland doesn’t need that production every night. It does need Watson to defend, run the floor, make open shots and occasionally relieve Mitchell and Harden of creation duties.

The Cavs’ stars will determine their ceiling. Watson may determine how easily they reach it.