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NBA: 5 Role Players Exceeding Expectations

By Colby Giacubeno

Nov 9, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard C.J. McCollum (3) guards Denver Nuggets guard Will Barton (5) in the fourth quarter at the Pepsi Center. The Nuggets defeated the Trail Blazers 108-104. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 9, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard C.J. McCollum (3) guards Denver Nuggets guard Will Barton (5) in the fourth quarter at the Pepsi Center. The Nuggets defeated the Trail Blazers 108-104. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 25, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Will Barton (5) dribbles the ball against Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague (0) in the fourth quarter at the Pepsi Center. The Hawks defeated the Nuggets 119-105. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 25, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Will Barton (5) dribbles the ball against Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague (0) in the fourth quarter at the Pepsi Center. The Hawks defeated the Nuggets 119-105. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

Will Barton, Denver Nuggets

Will Barton is another core piece to the Denver Nuggets’ young foundation, coming off the bench as a sixth man. Similar to McCollum, Barton has significantly raised his averaged from last season.

Before being traded to Denver from Portland, Barton was averaging three points in just 10 minutes. But with more minutes available in Denver, Barton’s production increased to 15.3 points and 6.3 rebounds in 28.9 minutes per game.

With Danilo Gallinari set to miss the rest of the season, the Nuggets will depend on their now-leading scorer in Barton to end the season on a good note, though they will likely miss the playoffs. Barton’s high-flying finishing ability was awarded by being a participant in this year’s Slam Dunk Contest that was ultimately shut down by Zach Lavine and Aaron Gordon‘s insane dunk-0ff.

Not only is Barton valuable on the court, his contract is also valuable to the front office considering he signed a three-year, $11 million contract prior to this season. With the salary cap rising this summer, Barton will be considered an absolute bargain for the remainder of his deal.

Next: A peculiar fit in Dallas