Position by Position Analysis: Who Starts, Plays Shooting Guard For Nuggets?

Feb 23, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Will Barton (5), forward Danilo Gallinari (8), and guard Gary Harris (14) during the game against the Brooklyn Nets at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

The Denver Nuggets have multiple players pushing to start at shooting guard.

The team has arguably six players, who could potentially play minutes and now the question must be asked--who starts?

Starting off is, freshly re-signed, Will Barton. Barton, who Denver acquired in mid-February in the Arron Afflalo trade, re-signed to a three-year extension worth around $11 million this past offseason.

The 24-year-old played 28 games after coming to Denver, and averaged 11.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.2 steals per game over that span (NBA.com).

Barton provided a great spark and energy, and started his tenure with the Nuggets with a great three-point percentage, which eventually leveled out at 27.1%.

Next, is one of Denver’s 2014 1st round draft picks, Gary Harris. Harris, a defensive minded player, has struggled to develop his offensive game.

These issues were present in Summer League as Harris was unable to connect on many of his three pointers.

Harris starting would continue the youth movement the Nuggets are trying to emplace. Yet, if Harris’ offensive struggles continue, including just a 20.4% from three, it could be a potential bad fit next to the newly drafted point guard Emmanuel Mudiay, who is more of a pass first player.

The third option is the 10-year veteran Randy Foye. Foye averaged over 21 minutes last season, adding 8.7 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 2.4 assists a game.

Foye also put up an impressive 35.7% from beyond the arc. Being a great locker room presence, Foye would be an asset in addition his role’s impact.

Other options for bench minutes could include playing newly resigned Wilson Chandler at shooting guard, so that Gallinari and him could be on the court at the same time; having Emmanuel Mudiay and Jameer Nelson both on the court at the same time offsetting the guard positions; as well, having point guard Erick Green play a reserve role.

Based of this, I would say Barton starts. He has high potential and scoring ability as compared to Harris and the other options right now.

So who do you think start at shooting guard for the Denver Nuggets, and who should come off the bench? How would you utilize these players best for Denver?

Note: All statistics are from RealGM unless otherwise indicated.