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