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Denver Nuggets: Which player needs to step up the most next season?

By Mitchell Carter

DENVER, CO - APRIL 9: Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets jokes with Will Barton (5) as he is introduced, while Paul Millsap (4) waits for his introduction before the first half against the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday, April 9, 2018. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post via Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - APRIL 9: Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets jokes with Will Barton (5) as he is introduced, while Paul Millsap (4) waits for his introduction before the first half against the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday, April 9, 2018. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post via Getty Images) /
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The Denver Nuggets made quite a few changes this off-season, which means some guys will need to step up. Other than their core group of guys, they practically overhauled their line-up.

The Nuggets traded away starting small forward Wilson Chandler, as well as fan favorites Darrell Arthur and Kenneth Faried.

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The team welcomed Michael Porter Jr., Jarred Vanderbilt and Thomas Welsh as well as former MVP candidate.

It’s easy to say the team is going to be looking a little bit different come next year.

Even though the new changes should benefit the team in the long run, the team still has some questions now. Will the team up their defensive intensity?

Should having a healthy Paul Millsap for the whole season increase the team’s win total? There are numerous questions that are running through our heads, but their is one that’s burning inside my mind.

Which player needs to step up for the Nuggets this season to help them get over the hump?

Answer: Will Barton

Once the Nugget’s traded Wilson Chandler to the Philadelphia 76ers, the team knew Will Barton was going to be inserted into the starting line-up. We know Will is a potent offensive scorer and he will thrive early in the game. However, we need to see if he will be able to step up on the defensive end.

Wilson Chandler was our perimeter defensive stopper within our starting line-up. He guarded the likes of Paul George, Kevin Durant and LeBron James. Now that he is gone, that job is now Barton’s and he needs to be able to contain larger small forwards if he wants to stay on the court.

Will Barton is long and lanky wing, and those physical characteristics could allow him to be a tenacious defender. If Barton could help contain the perimeter scorers while maintain his success on the offensive end the Nuggets will be in a good spot.

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I look forward to watching Will Barton grow as a player and help lead the Nuggets back to the playoffs.

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