Through the NBA's shortened preseason games, there have been more than enough injury reports that have already given teams and fans alike enough to last until the summer. Plenty of reports from less severe injuries such as sprained ankles to injuries requiring surgery have begun to start before the first game of the season has been played.
The unfortunate trend of players getting hurt hasn't slowed down prior to Tuesday night's NBA season opener. And this time, the Denver Nuggets are the bearers of bad news.
Via Harrison Wind of BSN Denver:
Will Barton suffered a right leg/ankle injury at the conclusion of practice Monday just as Nuggets coach Michael Malone was giving his opening remark to an assembled group of reporters.
Barton was playing 1-on-1 after practice against teammates and player development coach John Beckett and landed awkwardly, yelled out in pain, and crumpled to the floor. Malone returned a few minutes later after checking on Barton on the far end of the Nuggets’ practice court and said that he thinks it’s an ankle injury. Barton was putting minimal weight on his right foot as he was helped off the floor.
There has been no official diagnosis released as of yet on the actual injury, but the chances are high that Will Barton will miss the Nuggets' Wednesday night season opener against the Utah Jazz.
Last season, the 26-year-old Barton averaged 13.7 points, 3.4 assists, and 4.3 rebounds in 28 minutes as an important contributor off the bench thanks to his reliable scoring and athleticism.
Malik Beasley, who is coming off of his rookie season, will step into Will Barton's role for any time missed due to recover. Beasley only averaged 3.8 points in 22 games last season for the Nuggets but will need to find ways to contribute much more with the Nuggets looking to release veteran point guard Jameer Nelson from the roster soon.
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