Will Barton
A high-flying scorer nicknamed 'The Thrill' who evolved from a second-round draft pick into Denver's franchise three-point king.
Born 1991 (age 35)·American basketball player·Birthday: January 6·Millennials
Biography
Will Barton's NBA story is one of relentless self-belief and evolution. Drafted 40th overall by Portland, he spent his early years fighting for minutes, a flashy athlete known more for his bench energy than consistent production. A trade to Denver in 2015 became the catalyst for his career. Given the freedom to create, Barton blossomed into a dynamic and sometimes unpredictable offensive force, earning the fan-bestowed nickname 'The Thrill' for his acrobatic finishes and clutch shooting. He transformed his game over time, shifting from a raw slasher to a reliable three-point threat and secondary playmaker. This dedication culminated in him setting the Denver Nuggets' all-time record for three-pointers made, a testament to his hard work and longevity with the franchise. While his later seasons saw him move through several teams, his legacy in Denver is that of a player who willed himself into becoming an indispensable part of a rising team's identity.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Will was born in 1991, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Will Was Born
The biggest hits of 1991
#1 Movie
Terminator 2: Judgment Day
Best Picture
The Silence of the Lambs
#1 TV Show
Cheers
Will's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1991Born
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1996Started school
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2004Became a teenager
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Could drive
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2009Could vote
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2012Turned 21
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2021Turned 30
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 35 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Became the Denver Nuggets' all-time franchise leader in three-pointers made during his tenure with the team.
- Won the NBA's Sixth Man of the Month award multiple times for his performances off the bench.
- Named the Conference USA Player of the Year in 2012 after a standout season at the University of Memphis.
- Averaged a career-high 15.1 points per game in the 2019-20 NBA season as a key starter for the Nuggets.
Did You Know?
His nickname 'The Thrill' was given to him by Denver Nuggets fans and later embraced by the team's broadcast.
He led the NBA in total points scored off the bench during the 2015-16 season.
He is known for his unique, high-arching floater shot in the lane.
He played high school basketball at Brewster Academy in New Hampshire, a national basketball powerhouse.
“I always play with a chip on my shoulder. I was a second-round pick, so I always feel like I have something to prove.”
