Five Ways the Denver Nuggets Can Salvage Their Season

Feb 23, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Will Barton (5) during the second half against the Brooklyn Nets at Pepsi Center. The Nets won 110-82. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

2. Give Will Barton a Chance to Prove He’s Got the Goods.

Barton has only been in Denver for a minute since being acquired from Portland as part of the Arron Afflalo trade, but he’s already adjusting well to the change in scenery. In his first two games for the Nuggets, Barton has played over 20 minutes in each contest and is already drawing comparisons to former Nugget swingman Corey Brewer. In a recent interview with The Denver Post’s Chris Dempsey, Barton seems to be relishing the opportunity to prove he’s worthy of a spot on an NBA roster, whether it’s in Denver or elsewhere. From Dempsey’s piece:

"“I just go out there and compete,” he said. “I play my heart out. I love the game. I’m one of them guys who would play the game for free. So I go out there, good athlete, I get up and down the floor, play in transition and just get after it. Just a lot of heart and hustle and go out there and see what happens.” “They brought me over here, they wanted me,” Barton said. “I’m getting my chance to put together some minutes and try to put together some complete games. In Portland I rarely played and I never knew when I was going to play. It was spot minutes. Now, I’m playing sometimes 20 minutes. So I’m getting to prove what I can do on the court.”"

Barton is saying all the right things. He appears to be a player with a true passion for the game and a hunger to prove himself. Those are fantastic qualities that Nuggets fans can appreciate.

Whether or not Barton’s on court talent matches his off court desire remains to be seen, but the Nuggets should keep him firmly entrenched in the rotation and give him the chance to make it tough for General Manager Tim Connelly to let him go at the end of the season. Barton’s contract is up at the end of the year, and if he can establish himself as a decent backup shooting guard, he could find himself playing a key role in the team’s rebuilding efforts next season and beyond.

Next: Decide if Brian Shaw is the Right Coach to Lead This Team