No. 3: Will Barton, Denver Nuggets
Barton spent last season slotted behind Jamal Murray and Gary Harris, emerging as one of the best sixth men in the league. If it weren’t for the 40 games he started due to injuries, he would have been in the award conversation.
Strengths
Barton is an electric athlete who can fill it up in bunches. Averaging 15.7 points per game last season, his ability score both on and off the ball made him one of Denver’s most important offensive weapons. Regardless of his spot in the rotation, there are several teams that would benefit from his skill set.
With a quick trigger and compact mechanics, Barton is an excellent spot-up shooter. He’s equally as dangerous off the bounce, using subtle changes in speed to create space and rise up for shots. Add in strong cutting, and he’s an ideal complimentary scorer.
Barton has also shown tremendous growth as a playmaker in recent years, averaging a career-high 4.1 assists per game last season. His shifty handles and pull-up threat make him a natural fit in the pick-and-roll.
He isn’t the strongest wing, but Barton is still capable of impacting plays defensively with his 6-foot-6 frame and standout athleticism. He averaged a steal per game last season, springing into passing lanes and playing aggressive one-on-one defense.
Weaknesses
Barton has a gunner’s mentality at times, meaning he can be lulled into bad shots during some stretches. His defensive versatility is also limited by his slim frame, meaning he can’t comfortably defend bulkier wings.
Fit
If the Sixers strike out on the bigger names, giving Barton a sizable one-year deal makes sense. He’d give them more ball-handling in the second unit (or starting five, depending on how the J.J. Redick situation plays out).
His shooting would fit nicely next to Simmons and Embiid, while his defensive prowess is a sizable upgrade over the likes of Marco Belinelli and Redick, especially at the point of attack. He would add considerable value to an already-competitive team.