Payton Watson on joining the Cavaliers: They quickly showed their sincerity after entering the competition.

September 18th - According to the Associated Press, the Cleveland Cavaliers weren't the first team to pursue Payton Watson . However, after joining the competition, the team's quickly demonstrated sincerity ultimately won over the 23- year-old forward.

" They weren't the first teams to be linked with interest in me, but once they joined the race, they've maintained their interest, " Watson said at a press conference on Thursday.

Watson joined Cleveland in late August in a trade involving the Cavaliers, Nuggets, and other teams, signing a four- year, $ 88 million contract. Last season with the Denver Nuggets, he started 40 games, averaging 14.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists, all career highs.

Following LeBron James ' signing with the Philadelphia 76ers in late July , Cleveland intensified its pursuit of Watson, eventually signing him to a four- year, $ 88 million contract.

After joining the team, Watson is expected to start alongside Evan Mobley , Jarrett Allen , James Harden , and Donovan Mitchell . He believes that Mobley and Allen's rim protection will allow him to be more aggressive on defense. " With top rim protectors like Mobley and Allen behind me, I can be more aggressive in pressuring opponents, blocking passing lanes, and maintaining physicality, " Watson said.

Last season, Watson shot 41.1% from three-point range and was considered a "3-and-D player " thanks to his outside shooting and defensive abilities . However, he hopes to prove he can take on more of a role.

“ I wouldn’t define myself with that word. I want to be a player who can contribute in many ways, and I don’t like to limit myself to one category, ” Watson said.

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