Nugg Love
Fansided

Denver Nuggets: What Barton must improve on

By Mathew Huff

Denver Nuggets v Cleveland CavaliersCLEVELAND, OH - MARCH 3: Will Barton #5 of the Denver Nuggets and JR Smith #5 of the Cleveland Cavaliers fight for a loose ball during the second half at Quicken Loans Arena on March 3, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Nuggets defeated the Cavaliers 126-117. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)Getty ID: 926944342
Denver Nuggets v Cleveland CavaliersCLEVELAND, OH - MARCH 3: Will Barton #5 of the Denver Nuggets and JR Smith #5 of the Cleveland Cavaliers fight for a loose ball during the second half at Quicken Loans Arena on March 3, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Nuggets defeated the Cavaliers 126-117. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)Getty ID: 926944342 /
facebooktwitterreddit

With Will Barton starting at the three spot this coming season, the Denver Nuggets need him to improve in one key area.

The good news for the Denver Nuggets is that he actually made strides in this particular area last season. Will Barton had a career year on the offensive side of the floor, but what gets overlooked is his improvements on defense.

More from Nugg Love

However, he must continue to improve on the defensive side of the floor in order for his personal success to translate to the team’s success.

Per basketball reference, Barton improved his defensive rating  by a slight margin. His defensive rating went from114 they year before to 112 last season. Not a stellar statistic, but it is still progress.

He also averaged  a steal per game and possessed a steal percentage of 1.5%. Surprisingly, his block percentage was actually higher at 1.6% to go along with a defensive win share of 1.8.

I know what you are thinking already. “Matt, these are not that great of defensive numbers, so how can you be praising him on this aspect?”

Well, for one these numbers are actually key improvements from past seasons for Will “The Thrill.” Second of all, these improvements show promise for him since the one aspect he needs to continue to develop is his defensive game.

Something the Nuggets massively need, especially if Barton is going to be the new starting small forward. Yes, he obviously needs to stop playing “hero ball,” at times.

However, the one aspect I want to see him continue to refine is his defensive game, especially after he had a promising start last year on this end of the floor.

Next: Top 10 Nuggets of all time

If Will Barton can slightly improve his defense, then the Nuggets may be fine with him starting at the wing position. Only time will tell if this happens though.

Home/Nuggets News