Nugg Love
Fansided

Denver Nuggets: Barton will thrive in starting role

By Kevin Oestreicher

MIAMI, FL - MARCH 19: Will Barton #5 of the Denver Nuggets reacts during the second half of the game against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on March 19, 2018 in Miami, Florida. 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 Rob Foldy/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - MARCH 19: Will Barton #5 of the Denver Nuggets reacts during the second half of the game against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on March 19, 2018 in Miami, Florida. 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 Rob Foldy/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

At times last year, Will Barton was called upon to start for injured starters Wilson Chandler and Gary Harris. Can Barton perform well as a full time starter for the Denver Nuggets?

The Denver Nuggets took a risk this off season in trading Wilson Chandler. He had transitioned into the starting small forward role last year after Danilo Gallinari departed for the Clippers, and averaged 10.0 points and 5.4 rebounds in 31 minutes per game. He provided good defensive value as well, averaging 0.6 steals and 0.5 blocks, numbers that are solid for a veteran.

More from Nugg Love

Although Chandler provided a lot of value, he was simply too expensive to keep around. He was scheduled to make $12 million dollars this year, and thus was traded to Philadelphia. When Chandler was traded, the Nuggets needed someone who could step in and fill Chandler’s minutes while still providing equal or greater value.

Will Barton is the man who will be called upon to fill his minutes. Barton started 40 games for Denver last season, and on the season averaged 15.7 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.1 assists in 33 minutes per game.

For his play, Barton was rewarded in the off season with a 4 year contract worth $53 million dollars. That is starter money, and Barton is fully expected to step into that role and produce.

There are some questions about Barton however. His shot selection can be questionable at times, and he is known for forcing up shots. He also isn’t the best defensively, and can sometimes even be a liability on that side of the ball.

Next. Top 10 Denver Nuggets of all time. dark

However, even with all of the negatives, Barton should be able to thrive in a starting role. He came into the league as a shooting guard, but has the ability to play multiple positions, including small forward. Barton is an extremely hard worker, and is as motivated as ever this year. With another off season of work and improvements, Barton could surprise a lot of people this season.

Home/Nuggets News