Denver Nuggets: Without Jamal Murray, team will look to Will Barton and Austin Rivers
By Kyle Berry
What Will Barton brings to the Denver Nuggets in Jamal Murray’s absence?
The Nuggets are excited about bringing Will Barton back to the mile-high city because of the relationship he’s established with head coach Michael Malone, the Nuggets front office, and some key players on Denver’s roster. Last year, we only caught a glimpse of what Barton can do with this newly formulated roster including the likes of Aaron Gordon, as Barton worked his way back from a right hamstring injury to average 16.3 points per game in the conference semifinals against the Phoenix Suns.
A fully healthy Barton should be fantastic in the Denver Nuggets’ new-look offense in 2021. Barton’s athleticism and abilities in transition add an extra flex to his game and he seems to work well spacing the floor with MVP Nikola Jokic working his magic from the center position. Barton has been with the team since 2014 and fits nicely with what Denver is trying to do.
Barton has averaged at least 24 minutes per game since making his way to Denver in 2014 and Nuggets fans should expect his minutes to hover around 25-30 a night in 2021, as they navigate the waters without Murray. Barton is creative and savvy and reminded everyone of his ability to shoot against the Suns, knocking down at least two threes in each game of the conference semifinals.
If Michael Porter Jr. shows ill effects from his lingering back issues the door could be left wide open for Barton to see some shots on the wing and keep his solid production going as he eyes what could be a career year for him. The Nuggets are very familiar with Barton’s game at this point and should put him in a position to succeed as he looks to improve on his solid averages across the board.