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Denver Nuggets: Why Will Barton won’t start at small forward

By Grayson Moore

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - APRIL 11: Will Barton #5 of the Denver Nuggets reacts during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on April 11, 2018 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Nuggets 112-106. 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 Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - APRIL 11: Will Barton #5 of the Denver Nuggets reacts during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on April 11, 2018 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Nuggets 112-106. 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 Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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DENVER, CO – FEBRUARY 03: Will Barton
DENVER, CO – FEBRUARY 03: Will Barton /

Reason #1: Gary Harris will be starting at small forward

OK, this is a bit petty, but Will Barton will not technically be starting at small forward.

While Barton is 2 inches taller than Harris and has a few more years of experience in the league, when he came off the bench last season, it was actually Harris who slid over to the 3.

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Gary Harris spent 49% of his time at the small forward position last season and has spent at least 33% of his time at the 3 in every season of his career. In comparison, Will Barton spent just 3% of his time at small forward last year and has only played there for 11% of his career. Barton has never spent more than 31% of his time at the 3 in a season throughout his career.

Even if Barton has that 2-inch height advantage, Harris has around a 20-pound weight advantage. According to FiveThirtyEight, that puts Barton in about the 15th percentile for weight and Harris in the 35th. That should help a lot when going up against LeBron or Paul George next season.

Harris is also a much better defender. Barton allowed his opponents to shoot 2.5% better than Harris’ matchups according to NBA.com. Harris also had a better defensive rating, allowed less second chance and fast break points, and stole the ball more often.

Since the difference between shooting guard and small forward is practically negligible in today’s game, the only real difference between the positions is who they guard on the opposing team. It is my belief that Harris will be guarding small forwards next season and Barton will be guarding shooting guards. That makes Harris the starting small forward, not Barton.

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