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Trail Blazers: Olshey’s Best Draft Picks

By Steven Dewald

Apr 5, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) and guard C.J. McCollum (3) walk up the court during the fourth quarter of the game against the Sacramento Kings at Sleep Train Arena. The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Sacramento Kings 115-107. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 5, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) and guard C.J. McCollum (3) walk up the court during the fourth quarter of the game against the Sacramento Kings at Sleep Train Arena. The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Sacramento Kings 115-107. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Trail Blazers draft Barton
Denver Nuggets forward Will Barton (5). Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

Will Barton

Pick #40 – 2012 NBA Draft

Career Stats – 8.0 PPG / 1.5 APG / 3.4 RPG / .432 FG% / .345 3P%

This one may sting a little bit for Blazers fans. Will Barton was another 2012 pick that garnered the label “project.” He was labeled too skinny and raw coming into draft night. Like Leonard, he only played two years of college and would need to work out some kinks in his game before being a steady contributor. Barton showed flashes of explosiveness off the bench his first two and a half years, in a good way. His transition game was top notch.

Unfortunately for Barton, the Trail Blazers went from rebuilding to contender in just two short years. They did not have time for a young player to develop on the bench. The Trail Blazers traded Barton mid season last year, along with a first round pick, to Denver for Arron Afflalo. 

This season, Barton got his chance at consistent minutes for the first time in his career and he has not disappointed. Barton finished in the top-5 in voting for both the Most Improved Player and Sixth Man of the Year. Not bad – for the 40th overall pick. The 2nd round of the 2012 had some huge names: Draymond Green, Jae Crowder, and Khris Middleton to name a few. However, each of those players were drafted before pick #40 in the 2nd round. The only player drafted after pick #40 that that plays decent NBA minutes is Mike Scott. Barton was an excellent pick, especially for the mid-2nd round.

While it can be tough for Blazers fans to see him on another team, most are just happy to see him succeed. Will ‘The Thrill” Barton was a fan favorite in Portland and is a tough personality to not root for. Keep doing your thing Thrill, just not against the Trail Blazers.

Next: Number Three