Is rising Nuggets star sitting out playoffs to protect his future? Debunking nonsense theory

Given that Gordon only appeared in 36 regular-season games this year and quickly suffered an injury setback in this year's postseason, it stands to reason he's still feeling the effects of that decision.

Now, with Watson having barely played in the last three months for the Nuggets, the sentiment seems to be that he's actually healthy but is choosing not to help Denver in its dire straits. Why? Because Watson is a pending restricted free agent who will likely receive a lucrative contract offer this summer, be it from the Nuggets or from a prospective team. So, the implication to some is that he's sitting out now on purpose to ensure he doesn't lose his chance at true generational wealth by hurting himself again.

Let me put it this way: What complete toxic and irrational nonsense.

First of all, as noted, it was very foolish for Gordon to play on a Grade 2 hamstring strain. It was arguably even more foolish for him to play with left calf tightness in Game 4 against Minnesota after seeing all the high-profile Achilles injuries in the NBA lately. Comparing Watson's ongoing recovery to Gordon's sacrifice is silly because 99 percent of NBA players would also not push themselves to return early from a soft-tissue injury under the same circumstances. There's just so much at risk. Shoot, that's exactly what's happening with Luka Dončić and the Los Angeles Lakers right now.

Second of all, how would it make sense for Watson to sit out a postseason run just so he could protect his future earnings? The young man has played in five games since early February. He actually has a ton to gain by making a big impact for the Nuggets this postseason because he's been on the shelf for so long and because the playoffs have a way of magnifying a young star's talents like nothing else. (Never mind that, compared to Watson, Gordon has already secured his generational wealth and doesn't really have anything to lose from a financial perspective.)

Finally, Watson is, in fact, hurt.

It's not a lie. It's not elaborate deception by him or his representation or the Nuggets as an organization. He suffered a frustrating soft-tissue injury, fully recovered, then tweaked it again because that's what happens with hamstring injuries sometimes. Full stop. Look at what the Thunder's Jalen Williams has endured all season with similar hamstring troubles. The Nuggets and Watson don't want that to be him, too. He and the Nuggets are doing the right thing by giving him the proper time to heal and not pushing him until he's ready again, because he's actually hurt.

If Watson were healthy, you don't think he'd want to be there for his teammates on the Nuggets, who are like brothers to him? Grow up.

I understand the fan inclination to be emotional about a talented player being mostly M.I.A. for months for their team. I know this suspicion comes from a place of frustration amid their favorite team's playoff struggles, too. But if a guy is hurt, then he's hurt. End of story. We don't need to start questioning someone's character because they're not healthy. That's a slippery and immature slope no one serious and logical should ever entertain.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: No, Peyton Watson isn't sitting out Nuggets' playoff run on purpose