Will Barton, former Memphis basketball star, announces retirement from NBA
Will Barton, former Memphis basketball star and 11-year NBA veteran, announced his retirement Wednesday.
Nicknamed "The Thrill," the 34-year-old Barton spent time with the Portland Trail Blazers, Denver Nuggets, Washington Wizards and the Toronto Raptors. He last played in an NBA game during the 2022-23 season.
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"13 years pro. 11 years in the NBA. Man where did the time go?" Barton wrote on Instagram. "Crazy when I was young I never seen the end in my vision. But here we are. Man what a time I promise it was everything I dreamed of plus way more."
Barton, who twice finished fourth in Sixth Man of the Year voting (2016 and 2018), finished with career averages of 11.2 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.7 assists. A second-round draft pick in 2012, the Baltimore native came into his own with Denver, where he played seven-plus seasons.
Barton (along with his brother, Antonio) came to Memphis in 2010, Josh Pastner's first season as head coach. He spent two seasons with the Tigers, winning Conference USA Player of the Year as a sophomore, when he averaged 18.0 points per game. He finished his Memphis career with 1,062 points and helped lead the Tigers to the NCAA tournament in 2011 and 2012.
Former Tigers who spent time in the NBA this season include Jalen Duren, Precious Achiuwa, Josh Minott, Emoni Bates, Nae'Qwan Tomlin, Damion Baugh, Lester Quinones, David Jones, and James Wiseman.
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Reach sports writer Jason Munz at jason.munz@commercialappeal.com, follow him @munzly on X, and sign up for the Memphis Basketball Insider text group.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Will Barton, former Memphis basketball star, announces retirement from NBA
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