Denver Nuggets Starters: Shooting Guard Will Barton

If you are wondering what Will “the Thrill” Barton brings to the Denver Nuggets, it’s just that……….The Thrill.

There’s already a ton of buzz around the Denver Nuggets this season.  We know they are young, energetic, and crazy talented.  A threat in the West for sure but a threat to the championship is looming.

One of the pieces to this Nuggets puzzle is shooting guard, Will “the Thrill” Barton.  Thrill is exactly what he delivers too, it’s not just a name.  Barton is an energetic player that has the ability to elevate his team when he’s on.

He provides a spark to the game that is an integral part to what the Nuggets are trying to accomplish.  Some credit this Barton specialty with being a catalyst to the Denver defensive improvements.

While we were excited to see the Nuggets re-sign Barton it was disappointing that he sustained a hip injury during the second game of the season.  The good news is he is only supposed to be out a few weeks.  He is currently recuperating from surgery on Oct. 23.

Barton is a Maryland native that attended Memphis College from 2010-2012 before being drafted by the Portland Trailblazers.  In 2010, he was invited to play in the Jordan Brand Classic and was named the best shooting guard by Scout.com and ESPN.com.  In a breakout sophomore season he won C-USA Player of the Year.

Excitement has always surrounded Barton’s play.  He was drafted by the Blazers in 2012 and came over to the Nuggets in 2015 as part of the trade for Alonzo Gee and Arron Afflalo.  While even during the 2015 season there was talk of Barton being the 6th man of the year he has taken over a more important place starting with the Nuggets.

The combination of the Denver Nuggets starting team is missing something critical when they are missing Barton.  The magic is in the team.  Torrey Craig has filled in for Will Barton so far.  He’s done a fine job but we will be glad when Barton is back in his spot.