Will Barton Joins Timberwolves Coaching Staff in Player Development Role
Former NBA wing Will Barton is embarking on a new chapter in his basketball career, stepping into a player development role with the Minnesota Timberwolves coaching staff. This strategic addition is set to infuse the team with 11 years of valuable NBA experience, especially as the Timberwolves cultivate their promising young core, including Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball.
Barton's journey into coaching has been a natural progression since his playing days concluded. He previously served as an assistant coach for the Iowa Wolves and contributed to Minnesota's Summer League staff, demonstrating his commitment and aptitude for player development within the organization. This background ensures a seamless transition and immediate impact on the team's emerging talent.
A significant aspect of this appointment is the reunion of Barton with Tim Connelly, the Timberwolves' president of basketball operations. Their professional relationship dates back to Connelly's tenure as the Denver Nuggets' general manager when he brought Barton to Denver in 2015. Barton flourished under Connelly's leadership, spending approximately eight seasons with the Nuggets and becoming a pivotal contributor during the team's ascent to Western Conference contention. During his time with the Nuggets from 2014-15 to 2021-22, Barton consistently delivered, averaging 11.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.9 assists, establishing himself as one of the team's most dependable perimeter scorers.
His deep understanding of the game and on-court experience as a veteran wing are particularly advantageous for a Timberwolves roster that boasts dynamic young perimeter players. Anthony Edwards, at 25 years old, showcased his potential in the 2025-26 season with averages of 28.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.7 assists, shooting an impressive 48.9% from the field and 39.9% from beyond the arc. Additionally, rookie Isaiah Evans, selected 33rd overall in the 2026 NBA Draft and signed to a four-year rookie-scale contract, is viewed as a long-term shooting asset who stands to benefit immensely from Barton's mentorship.
The Timberwolves are gearing up for the 2026-27 season following a significant offensive overhaul, notably acquiring All-Star guard LaMelo Ball in a four-team trade. This strategic move, which involved sending Naz Reid and draft assets, signals the franchise's shift towards a more guard-centric offensive approach. Barton's expertise as a scoring wing aligns perfectly with this new direction, offering invaluable insights and guidance to players like Edwards, Josh Green, and Evans as they adapt and develop within the team's evolving system.
The Minnesota Timberwolves concluded the 2025-26 regular season with a commendable 49-33 record, securing the No. 6 seed in the Western Conference playoffs. While their postseason run ended in the second round with a six-game series loss to the San Antonio Spurs, the addition of Will Barton to the coaching staff represents a proactive step towards fostering continued growth and achieving future success, reinforcing the team's commitment to nurturing its young talent and building a formidable presence in the league.