Will Barton Announces Retirement After 13 NBA Seasons
The veteran wing known as 'The Thrill' hangs up his sneakers after notable Nuggets stint
Swathi holds a postgraduate degree in English Literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and a diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Kottayam. With over three years of experience writing on beauty, health, sports and lifestyle, she writes for NBAJunction and Stylecraze.
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Will Barton, the versatile wing player nicknamed ‘The Thrill,’ has officially announced his retirement from professional basketball after 13 seasons in the NBA.
The news came via social media, where the announcement was accompanied by a basketball emoji, signifying the end of a journey that began when Barton was selected 40th overall in the 2012 NBA Draft by the Portland Trail Blazers.
Career Highlights And Journey
While Barton started his professional career in Portland, he truly found his footing after being traded to the Denver Nuggets in February 2015. In Denver, Barton developed into a reliable scoring option and versatile wing player, spending eight seasons with the franchise during their rise to prominence in the Western Conference.
During his time with the Nuggets, Barton played alongside Serbian superstar Nikola Jokić, who has since become a three-time NBA MVP and led the team to an NBA championship in 2023. The pair formed part of a core that helped transform the Nuggets from a struggling franchise into a perennial contender.
Barton’s career averages of 11.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game don’t fully capture his impact as a spark plug off the bench and occasional starter who could heat up offensively at a moment’s notice, earning his ‘Thrill’ nickname.
Connection To Current Nuggets
Though Barton wasn’t part of the Nuggets’ 2023 championship team, having been traded to the Washington Wizards in July 2022, his contributions to building the foundation in Denver were significant. He played a key role in the development of the team that would eventually reach the NBA’s pinnacle.
Jokić, who often shared the court with Barton during their time together in Denver, has continued to cement his legacy as one of basketball’s all-time greats. The Serbian center has been putting together what many consider “probably the greatest offensive season in basketball history” during the 2024-25 campaign, according to recent social media posts.
Nuggets’ Current Playoff Battle
The announcement of Barton’s retirement comes as his former team is engaged in a playoff series against the Los Angeles Clippers. Recent posts show that the Clippers currently hold a 2-1 lead in the series after a decisive 117-83 victory.
Jokić, the centerpiece of the current Nuggets team, recently addressed a misunderstanding between himself and teammate Jamal Murray during Game 2 of the series, highlighting the communication challenges that even championship teams face during the intensity of playoff basketball.
Legacy And Impact
Barton’s career path represents the journey of many NBA players who find their niche after initial struggles. After limited playing time in Portland, he blossomed in Denver, becoming a fan favorite for his energetic play style and scoring ability.
His retirement marks the end of an era for players from the early 2010s draft classes, many of whom are now transitioning out of the league as a new generation takes center stage.
Looking Forward
While Barton moves on to the next chapter of his life, the NBA landscape continues to evolve. The MVP race this season has featured Jokić prominently, with fans and analysts debating “Who will win MVP award this year?” as the Serbian big man makes his case for a fourth Maurice Podoloff Trophy.
Barton’s announcement serves as a reminder of how quickly time passes in professional sports, with careers that span just over a decade often representing the full arc of a player’s professional journey in the NBA.
As the basketball world acknowledges Will Barton’s contributions to the game, his former teammates continue their pursuit of championship glory, carrying forward the competitive spirit that defined his career.
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