Kristian Ferrell
Will Barton is a professional basketball player who most recently played for the Toronto Raptors. Barton was a free agent when he signed with the Guangdong Southern Tigers of the Chinese Basketball Association in 2024, but his contract was terminated in November. He then signed with the Atléticos de San Germán of the Baloncesto Superior Nacional (BSN) for the 2025 season. Barton announced his retirement from basketball on April 24, 2025. Prior to his stint in China, Barton played for the Denver Nuggets, where he averaged 15.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.1 steals in 29.0 minutes per game during the 2015-16 season. He also had a stint with the Portland Trail Blazers, where he recorded a season-high 20 points and a career-high 11 rebounds in a win over the Brooklyn Nets in 2014.
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Will Barton's career-high 26 points
Will Barton, the American former professional basketball player, had a career-high 26 points on two separate occasions. The first instance was on November 13, 2015, in a game against the Houston Rockets, which the Denver Nuggets won 107-98. The second instance was on January 17, 2017, when he also had eight assists in a 127-121 win over the Los Angeles Lakers.
Barton played college basketball for the Memphis Tigers, earning Conference USA Men's Basketball Player of the Year honours in 2012. He was selected 40th overall in the 2012 NBA draft by the Portland Trail Blazers and played for the Idaho Stampede of the NBA G League before being traded to the Denver Nuggets in 2015, where he became their franchise leader in three-pointers made. Barton has also played for the Washington Wizards, the Toronto Raptors, the Guangdong Southern Tigers, and the Atléticos de San Germán before announcing his retirement from basketball on April 24, 2025.
During his career, Barton had several notable performances in addition to his career-high 26 points. On December 20, 2015, he scored 32 points against the New Orleans Pelicans. On March 13, 2017, he scored 22 points and went 3 of 4 behind the arc in a win over the Lakers. On November 30, 2017, he set a new career-high of 37 points in a win over the Chicago Bulls. On March 16, 2017, he scored a career-high 35 points in a win over the Los Angeles Clippers.
Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 181 pounds, Barton played as a shooting guard and small forward. He was born on January 6, 1991, in Baltimore, Maryland, and attended Baltimore City College and National Christian Academy in high school. He started his college career at Memphis in 2010, playing in every game during his freshman season and leading the team in minutes per game (30.6) and scoring 12.3 points per game. In his sophomore year, he had a breakout season, leading the Tigers in points per game (18.0) and rebounds per game (8.0), winning C-USA Player of the Year.
The Evolution of AP Basketball Poll: Its Humble Beginnings
You may want to see also
Explore related products
2015 trade to the Denver Nuggets
On February 19, 2015, Will Barton was traded from the Portland Trail Blazers to the Denver Nuggets. In the trade, Barton, Víctor Claver, Thomas Robinson, and a lottery-protected 2016 first-round pick were exchanged for Arron Afflalo and Alonzo Gee.
Barton re-signed with the Nuggets on August 7, 2015, and went on to have a successful season. On November 13, 2015, he scored a then career-high 26 points in a 107-98 win over the Houston Rockets. He topped this with 32 points against the New Orleans Pelicans on December 20, 2015. Barton's strong pre-Christmas play earned him recognition as a possible contender for the 2015-16 Sixth Man of the Year award. Over the Nuggets' first 29 games of the season, he averaged 15.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.1 steals in 29 minutes per game off the bench.
Barton remained with the Nuggets until 2022, when he was traded to the Washington Wizards. During his time with the Nuggets, Barton played a heavy role in turning around the team's culture and changing the perception of the franchise. He also became the franchise's all-time leader in made three-pointers, surpassing J.R. Smith in 2022.
Glory, Prestige, and Playoff Prizes: Basketball's Ultimate Rewards
You may want to see also
Explore related products
2024 signing with the Guangdong Southern Tigers
Will Barton, the former Denver Nuggets guard, signed with the Guangdong Southern Tigers of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) on September 6, 2024. The Guangdong Southern Tigers, established in 1993, are a professional basketball team owned by the Guangdong Winnerway (Hongyuan) Group and are based in Dongguan, Guangdong. The team is one of the best-performing in the CBA, having won eleven CBA titles—more than any other team in the league. They are also the only team to have qualified for the CBA playoffs every season since the league's inception in 1995.
Barton's signing with the Guangdong Southern Tigers came after a successful stint with the Denver Nuggets, where he averaged 15.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.1 steals in 29.0 minutes per game during the 2015-16 season. He also had a brief spell with the Toronto Raptors before joining the Guangdong Southern Tigers.
Unfortunately, Barton's contract with the Guangdong Southern Tigers was terminated on November 5, 2024, just over two months after signing with the team. On February 19, 2025, Barton signed with the Atléticos de San Germán of the Baloncesto Superior Nacional (BSN) for the 2025 season.
Prior to his stint in China, Barton had established himself as a talented player in the NBA. On February 26, 2014, he recorded a season-high 20 points and a career-high 11 rebounds in a victory over the Brooklyn Nets, earning him the nickname "the people's champ." He also had a strong run with the Nuggets, recording 32 points against the New Orleans Pelicans in December 2015 and scoring a career-high 26 points against the Houston Rockets in November 2015.
The Top-Ranked Basketball Team: A Champion's Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
2025 signing with Atléticos de San Germán
Will Barton, the former NBA guard who once referred to himself as the "people's champ" during a televised interview with a reporter, announced his retirement from basketball on April 24, 2025. This came after a series of transfers, with his last recorded game being with the Guangdong Southern Tigers of the Chinese Basketball Association, which also ended with a contract termination on November 5, 2024.
However, on February 19, 2025, Barton made a surprising move by signing with the Atléticos de San Germán, a basketball club based in San Germán, Puerto Rico. This team is part of the Baloncesto Superior Nacional (BSN), which is one of the original BSN franchises founded in the 1930s. The Atléticos de San Germán, often referred to as "El monstruo anaranjado" or "The Orange Monster," experienced a period of struggle in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s but eventually rose to become the most successful basketball club in the western part of Puerto Rico. Their success includes winning fourteen championships, which is the second-highest among BSN franchises.
Barton's decision to join the Atléticos de San Germán for the 2025 season adds an intriguing twist to his career journey. While the specific details of his contributions and impact during this time are not currently available, it demonstrates his willingness to explore new opportunities and continue his basketball career in a different league and geographical location.
The Atléticos de San Germán has a rich history, with a strong foundation built in the 1930s and a period of dominance in the 1940s, where they won ten championships between 1932 and 1950. The team experienced a downward spiral after the sudden death of Torres Ramírez, affectionately known as "El Pequeño Titán" (The Little Titan), in 1949. They made several finals appearances but couldn't secure another championship until 1985, when they defeated the Mets de Guaynabo.
The signing of Will Barton by the Atléticos de San Germán in 2025 is a significant event, adding an experienced and talented player to their roster. Although his time with the team may not have been lengthy due to his retirement in the same year, his presence undoubtedly influenced the team's dynamics and potentially contributed to their ongoing pursuit of success and additional championships.
Syracuse vs Duke: Who's Taking the Crown?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
2025 retirement announcement
On April 24, 2025, Will Barton, the former guard for the Toronto Raptors, announced his retirement from basketball. Barton, who was born in 1991, had a long and illustrious career in the NBA, playing for several teams and thrilling fans with his dynamic play.
Barton, affectionately known as the "People's Champ" by fans, began his career in 2012 when he was drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers. Over the course of his career, he showcased his versatility and talent, playing for the Denver Nuggets, the Guangdong Southern Tigers, and the Atléticos de San Germán before signing with the Raptors.
During his time in the league, Barton was known for his scoring prowess and all-around game. He averaged 12.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game over his career, with his best statistical season coming in 2018-19, where he posted averages of 15.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.8 assists for the Nuggets.
In addition to his impressive numbers, Barton also had a knack for the dramatic, with several memorable performances in big games. One of his most notable moments came in the 2019 playoffs, where he hit a game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer to lift the Nuggets over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 3 of their semi-final series.
As Barton rides off into the sunset, his impact on the game will be forever remembered. His retirement announcement comes as a shock to many, as he still had much to offer on the court. However, he will forever be cherished by fans and peers alike, as his larger-than-life presence brought excitement and joy to the league.
Details regarding Barton's retirement plans and any potential celebrations or events in his honor are yet to be announced. The basketball world will surely miss the high-flying guard, and we wish him all the best in his future endeavours off the court.
Basketball: A Game for Everyone, Not Just Men
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Will Barton's career highlights include signing with the Guangdong Southern Tigers of the Chinese Basketball Association, recording a season-high 20 points and a career-high 11 rebounds in a 124-80 win over the Brooklyn Nets, and being recognised as a possible contender for the 2015-16 Sixth Man of the Year award.
Will Barton's stats vary across his career but he has averaged 15.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.1 steals in 29.0 minutes per game. In another season, he averaged 12.7 points, four rebounds and 3.2 assists per game.
Will Barton has played for the Trail Blazers, Denver Nuggets, Guangdong Southern Tigers, Atléticos de San Germán, and the Toronto Raptors.
No, Will Barton did not win an NBA championship.
No, Will Barton retired from basketball on April 24, 2025.
