8 points, 9 seconds
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The Indiana Pacers Need A Backcourt Upgrade. Here Are 5 Guards Who Can Help

By Mason Hankins

Jan 19, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Brandon Knight (3) drives the ball against Indiana Pacers forward Lavoy Allen (5) in the second half at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Pacers won 97-94. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 19, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Brandon Knight (3) drives the ball against Indiana Pacers forward Lavoy Allen (5) in the second half at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Pacers won 97-94. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports /
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Will Barton of the Denver Nuggets
Feb 8, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Will Barton (5) drives against Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) and guard Tim Hardaway Jr. (10) in the second quarter of their game at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

Will Barton

The Denver Nuggets already dealt Jusuf Nurkic and a 2017 first-round pick to Portland for Mason Plumlee and 2018 second-round pick, but they don’t seem to be done yet. Will Barton may be next, as his name has been circulating in trade rumors. The 6’5′ up-and-coming shooting guard is averging 13.9 points, 4.7 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game. He is also shooting a career-high 38% from 3-point land to go along with his superior athleticism.

Similar to Marcus Smart, Barton is a rising player whose play has indicated his potential is yet to be reached. He can score the rock from deep and slash to the bucket, defend and make plays for others, and a team can never have too much of that, The Pacers ought to inquire what it would take to bring Barton to “Naptown” and wake this basketball-loving state up with some high-flying, 3-point shooting action.

A player like Barton will help the idea of winning now materialize in Indiana, and add complexity to opponent’s scouting reports.

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