Nuggets' Porter has no problems with Barton's displeasure over reserve role

Rising Denver Nuggets star Michael Porter has no problems with veteran wing Will Barton expressing his displeasure over a potential reserve role and is willing to sacrifice a spot in the starting five to help the team.

"Everybody knows Will's a starter. Him saying that shouldn't have been blown up the way it was because he has started. He has produced," Porter told reporters Saturday, including Katy Winge of AltitudeTV. "That's not immature or anything on his part. He views himself as a starter. I view myself as a starter."

"But we both know that if we want to be a part of something special that we gotta stick together, me and him individually. And then as a team, we just gotta be willing to accept our roles."

Barton's knee injury kept him sidelined for the seeding games and postseason, allowing Porter to start seven of the final eight regular-season contests.

The former first-round pick took full advantage of the increased playing time, averaging 22 points on 55.1% shooting and earning All-Seeding Games second-team honors.

Porter subsequently showed glimpses of his potential during the playoffs, ranking fourth in team scoring during the Nuggets' run to the Western Conference finals.

The 22-year-old started in two of Denver's preseason games but made way for Barton in Friday's final tune-up contest.

Barton averaged 15.1 points and 6.3 boards over 58 appearances during the 2019-20 campaign.