Nuggets' Will Barton: Opportunity to see increased role

Barton is expected to get the first shot at stepping into a bigger role with Gary Harris (groin) slated to see an extended absence, Chris Depmsey of the Denver Post reports.

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Dempsey also acknowledged Jamal Murray and Malik Beasley are slated to see increased minutes, but Barton should have the opportunity to see the biggest jump of the trio. Barton was a significant contributor off the bench during the 2015-16 campaign, averaging 28.7 minutes per game, but was slated to see a slight decrease in his role with the addition of Murray and Beasley in the 2016 NBA Draft. However, Barton will now have a chance to cement a role in the starting lineup to begin the season, although Harris is still expected to re-enter the starting lineup once healthy.