This story appears in SLAM 239.
Will Barton is on an adventure. Reflection, sedulous hard work and his quiet self-confidence are his guides. His family, though, provides him with reminders of his achievements, ones that only a select few humans could ever attain.
But now we’ve come to the portion of the journey where, according to Barton, “It’s time to reflect.”
The 10-year NBA vet will be the first to tell you that a five-game first round exit was nowhere near what the Denver Nuggets expected to accomplish in the playoffs last season. The early exit, however, did provide Barton more quality time with the family and friends who aid in his mental fortitude throughout the season.
“It’s a grueling process over here during the season, you don’t have much time for anything or anyone to the level that you want,” Barton tells us over Zoom, just days after getting bounced from the playoffs, which ultimately became the end of his time with the Nuggets after he was traded to the Washington Wizards right before the start of free agency this summer.
Back home in Baltimore, being constantly surrounded by the voices of his loved ones, Barton is in better spirits. Working out has been easier, training just miles from his home while his kids watch him net jumper after jumper from the sidelines.
Jared ebanks 