I really like this kid. I didn't have much expectations until I saw him in the summer league, and I think he has the tools to be a really solid player. Not an All-Star by any means, but he has good instincts, he's athletic, and he plays hard. Nice line by him last night 14 points off 6-9 shooting. Definitely a nice boost off the bench.
I actually thought he was going to suck, glad i'm wrong. I was high on Lillard, Leonard, Freeland, and down on Claver and Barton. Now, having seen them all in action, I think they could all become servicable, although Freeland is most iffy. I like Barton, good cuts, nice leap, has a good feel for the ball. But I hope he continues to get better court vision because he often shoots when there are other options open with better shots. Also, he needs a solid 3pointer. But for a second rounder, I am thrilled.
Did you watch him in the SL at all? The kid has good defensive instincts. He gets steals with those long arms, playing the passing lanes. I like him. Not sure if he's really a three point shooter, but I'm fine with that. We've got shooters. We need slashers. Guys who will cut to the basket.
What I like is he seems to have a pretty good pull up jumper. You would think most NBA players would have this skill (And they used to) but with the addition of the 3pt shot, the stop on a dime pull up J does not seem to be a priority anymore for guards. Barton's ability to get to the basket AND to be able to pull up for the mid range jumper gives me high hopes for this rookie.
yeah I was going to say he might become a pretty good 6th man in the upcoming years...he's still really raw though
he's going to need playing time to develop so I hope he takes the back up sg permanently even when wes is back. Either that or have wes, pavlovic (yuk) and batum (claver at sf) take the sg minutes and send him down the d-league for a lengthy stint. I'm probably in the minority but I still have hope for Ewill too
I don't think this guy is all that raw. He seems pretty skilled to me. I mean he was Conference USA Player of the Year. Yes he took some wild shots in his first few games that he got in, but has he really been that wild since?
I suspect that when we look back on this draft in a few years Lillard and Barton will be the two that stick. Leoanard might, but I'm not super hopeful. As for Claver and Freeland ... let's just say I wouldn't get too attached.
Instead of trying to define raw or wild, I'll reword it to, he wastes excess energy on unnecessary body movement. Last night he got 26 minutes in a blowout because he is showing improved self-discipline.
I guess I haven't seen that much of Barton to guess on his BBall IQ. But interviewing, he does seem average, thus making him above average compared to TrOut
