Will Barton, Thomas Robinson gelling with new teams
By David MacKay
It has been almost two weeks since Will Barton and Thomas Robinson (along with Victor Claver) were traded by the Portland Trail Blazers. All three were sent to the Denver Nuggets at the February 19th trade deadline, but only one remains. The Nuggets held onto Barton, waiving Robinson and Claver. Robinson was claimed off of waivers by the Philadelphia 76ers, while Claver signed with BC Khimki (a Russian basketball club).
Feb 23, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Will Barton (5) during the second half against the Brooklyn Nets at Pepsi Center. The Nets won 110-82. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Barton has shown immediate promise with the Nuggets, who are working to fill the holes left by Arron Afflalo and Alonzo Gee in their exchange with the Trail Blazers. Barton has averaged 14.2 points and 5.0 rebounds in a robust 26.8 minutes per game. Over the course of six games, he has already eclipsed half of the total minutes he played for the Trail Blazers this season.
Barton is in an ideal situation. His team needs him to produce, and he has the opportunity to do so every night. His growth as a player will be partially facilitated by Nuggets General Manager Tim Connelly, who he has known since youth. Barton spoke to Christopher Dempsey of The Denver Post about his relationship with the Nuggets GM:
“He’s been knowing me probably since I was 12 years old, and I work out, actually, with one of his brothers ever since I was a senior in high school and college. So we know each other pretty well. He saw me grow into the kind of player I am and with the work ethic. So, on that end it’s good. But at the same time he’s even harder on me because he knows me and he expects a lot out of me. Which makes it good for me because now I won’t take anything for granted. I go out there and work hard for everything I get.”
Barton’s contract is up at the end of the 2014-15 NBA season, but if he continues to work out well, it would not be unreasonable for the Nuggets to re-sign him this summer to invest in his development. At the very least, he will have the opportunity to build a name for himself this year and test the market for a long term home.
Mar 2, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Thomas Robinson (41) points up in reaction to a score against the Toronto Raptors during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Robinson has a similar opportunity in Philadelphia, though he has begun building personal connections from square one. He seems to be quickly developing a rapport with Head Coach Brett Brown, who has taken an interest in his individual success. Robinson spoke to Sixers beat writer Tom Moore about his interactions with Brown:
“I’m definitely more comfortable. Like I said, all credit to coach. He’s been talking to me every day since I’ve been here and just pretty much making me believe we’re on the same page I and we think I am as a player.”
Like Barton, Robinson’s statistics have seen instant improvement. In four games with the 76ers, he has averaged 9.5 points and 7.3 rebounds in just 16.3 minutes off the bench (as opposed to 3.6 points and 4.2 rebounds in 12.2 minutes per game as a Trail Blazer). He will have every opportunity to progress as a player with an organization that places heavy emphasis on development.
Whether or not Robinson stays with the 76ers long term is going to be up to him. The fifth overall pick of 2012 will have numerous suitors in free agency this summer; especially once given an opportunity to shine on a weaker Philadelphia team.
Neither he nor Barton will sniff the post-season this year, and it was sad to see both sent on their way, but they will undoubtedly excel more quickly under these new circumstances. Take time here and there to watch them play if you can manage. Barton will return to the Moda Center on Saturday, March 28th.