starting small forward
After multiple consultations, Barton, his representation and team doctors decided surgery was the best route.
Itap a significant but not devastating injury for a Nuggets core that has harped on continuity and cohesiveness. Barton, entering his seventh season in the NBA, had finally earned a full-time starting role before suffering the injury on a third quarter layup against on Saturday evening.
Barton, who had an MRI on Sunday, acknowledged he heard a pop when he took off for the layup. He was writhing on the floor in pain for several minutes after going down.
Barton stuck around in the locker room Saturday night and told reporters that the pain had gone down some since the initial injury.
Head coach Michael Malone on Sunday said he expected Barton out for the “forseeable future.”
In the interim, the Nuggets have a couple options for replacing Barton’s minutes. Malone will likely lean heavily on versatile defender , whose stout defense Sunday against the Warriors helped limit to just 20 points. Malone may also opt for Sunday’s defensive hero in the win over Golden State, Juan Hernangomez, whose rebounding, energy and 3-point shooting often inject life into the rotation. Malone also suggested itap possible that could see time at small forward.
Malone said matchups will likely determine which one of the three sees the lion’s share of minutes in Barton’s absence.
“It was unfortunate what happened to Will, but then at the same time, somebody gotta be able to step up,” Craig said after Sunday’s win over Golden State. “He’s in good spirits, still motivating us, talking, being the leader that he is, giving us tips. He broke down the huddle today before the game. He’s doing real good.”
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