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Report: Still ‘no timetable’ for Will Barton’s return

By Quenton S. Albertie

DENVER, COLORADO - DECEMBER 03: Will Barton III #5 of the Denver Nuggets puts up a shot against Alex Caruso #4 of the Los Angeles Lakers in the fourth quarter at Pepsi Center on December 03, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. 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 Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, COLORADO - DECEMBER 03: Will Barton III #5 of the Denver Nuggets puts up a shot against Alex Caruso #4 of the Los Angeles Lakers in the fourth quarter at Pepsi Center on December 03, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. 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 Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /
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It doesn’t look like Will Barton will be returning to the Denver Nuggets’ lineup just yet.

After Yahoo Sports insider Chris Haynes reported that Denver Nuggets swingman Will Barton hadn’t yet ruled out a return to the Nuggets during their battle with the Los Angeles Clippers in the Western Conference semifinals, many had hope that the playmaking wing would be back in the lineup by now.

However, according to Nuggets president of basketball operations Tim Connelly, there still isn’t a timetable for Barton’s return from his lingering knee injury (per The Denver Post’s Mike Singer):

"“We’re not here without Will,” Connelly said. “He’s such a huge part of our team. He’s working his tail off to try to get right. We thought the resources that were available outside the bubble would be better suited to get him there. There’s no timetable, but even though he’s not here physically, he’s certainly here in spirit.”"

Having Barton would be quite the boost for Denver, as having more weapons to attack the Los Angeles Lakers with in the Western Conference Finals would undoubtedly help them in their bid to upset LeBron James’ squad. Jerami Grant is currently starting in his spot but aside from giving the Nuggets more size in their frontcourt, it’s certainly difficult to say that Grant is a more impactful player for Denver, as Barton is undoubtedly better scorer, shot-creator and rebounder.

For now, Barton is apparently training in Miami with athlete development specialist David Alexander. As he continues to work towards being game ready, one can only hope that the veteran returns to the court sooner rather than later.

Will the Thrill — as he’s come to be known — could turn out to be the x-factor upon his return, much like Gary Harris was when he returned to the team in time for their first round matchup against the Utah Jazz.

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Barton has averaged 15.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.1 steals per game this season, shooting 45.0% from the field and 37.5% from 3-point range.

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