Rip City Project
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The One That Got Away – The Best Ex-Blazers Since 2000

By Spencer Gordon

Mar 28, 2015; Portland, OR, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Will Barton (5) goes to the hoop against Portland Trail Blazers center Chris Kaman (35) at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 28, 2015; Portland, OR, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Will Barton (5) goes to the hoop against Portland Trail Blazers center Chris Kaman (35) at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 13, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Denver Nuggets forward Will Barton competes in the dunk contest the NBA All Star Saturday Night at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 13, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Denver Nuggets forward Will Barton competes in the dunk contest the NBA All Star Saturday Night at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

3) Will Barton

Best Year in Portland: 4.0 ppg, 0.8 apg, 1.8 rpg

Best Year Away: 14.7 ppg, 2.4 apg, 6.1 rpg

This year has been the emergence of “Will the Thrill” in Denver. He’s on track for 6th Man of the Year and it’s because of his insane stats and incredible athleticism. Registering multiple double-doubles, an improved three point shot, and hard to guard quickness, Barton has become a huge building block for Denver’s future. Although Denver won’t make the playoffs, the emergence of Barton is something to celebrate.

Look, I’ve met someone else…

Barton was involved in the trade last year to get Arron Afflalo. To boost our bench heading into the playoffs, the Blazers got a clunky role player who just never fit into the offense. We all know that Wilson Chandler was Portland’s main target, yet Afflalo had potential to still push us over the edge. However, Wesley Matthews’ injury forced Afflalo into a starting lineup and the starters couldn’t find the chemistry needed to become elite. Afflalo signed in New York this past summer, while Barton improved tremendously.

What Could’ve Been

I see the Blazers securely in the fifth seed right now if they had Barton, and probably the most dangerous underdog in the playoffs without question.

Next: The Guard from Down Under