Friday Faceoff: Who’s the next big star in Colorado sports? 

Luke Zahlmann, Colorado Rockies beat writer 

Answer: Nolan Jones 

The next star in Colorado is already here, and his name is Nolan Jones. 

Colorado lost 103 games and had the franchise’s worst season last year, so it’s no surprise that his rookie season with the Rockies has gone unnoticed — Jones made club history by hitting 20 home runs and stealing 20 bases in his first year. 

The real reason is his mentality, though. 

Nolan Arenado, a former star at Coors Field, was never satisfied in the clubhouse. After a big game, you would still hear about what he did not do well. His accolades and accomplishments were often tertiary while winning and losing were the main focus and determining factors of his mood. 

Jones has the same mentality. The two are similar in how they approach the game. With little experience in the outfield, Jones’ work ethic allowed him to set the franchise’s outfield assist record, all while racking up some of the team’s best offensive stats. And the only thing he will talk about, still, is the team’s losing season and how much each impacted him. 

Jones is a winning player with a winning mentality and will be the team’s offensive leader as soon as Charlie Blackmon hangs up his cleats — the second-year outfielder will not be the reason the losing continues, that much is certain. 

He’s also the city’s next star. 

Vinny Benedetto, Denver Nuggets beat writer 

Answer: Peyton Watson 

The party is just getting started for Peyton Watson. 

The 6-foot-7 Nuggets wing already has a championship ring and a commercial with Nikola Jokic before his 22nd birthday. His star is only getting brighter. 

Watson’s going to have the opportunity to make a name for himself when the lights really shine this postseason, as the Nuggets look to go back-to-back. The defense is going to keep him on the floor, and he’s going to be asked to guard some of the game’s best on the biggest stage. The athleticism will make sure his highlights are spread far and wide. 

After not playing much as a one-and-done guy at UCLA or last season as an NBA rookie, the former 5-star recruit from Los Angeles is working his way back where he belongs. His continued development as a shooter will help him take the next step in the next couple of seasons. 

The only thing standing in Watson’s way are the more established stars in the Nuggets locker room. None are bigger than Jokic, but he stays out of the spotlight. Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon have appeared in commercials and movies, but there is plenty of room for a Watson to be the team’s Gen Z star. 

With a versatile game and an affable, confident-not-cocky personality, Watson’s on his way to stardom on and off the court.