Recently Chris Haynes of ESPN.com sat down with Denver Nuggets wing Will Barton to discuss his early, “dark years” in the NBA—including his time with the Portland Trail Blazers—and how he “recaptured the thrill” with the Nuggets.
Selected 40th in the 2012 NBA Draft by the Blazers, Barton was one of four rookies brought in alongside Damian Lillard. Also in that class were Meyers Leonard and Victor Claver. Coming to a team already stocked with backcourt members, Barton’s opportunity to get on the floor, particularly as a second-round pick, was limited.