Thrill is a fascinating person with an incredible life story. In this two-part, documentary style episode of the Locked on Nuggets podcast, Will walks me through his life in the game of basketball, from the playgrounds of East Baltimore to the Pepsi Center. Along the way, he shares so many stories about the people, places, and things that have made him the person he is today.

And Will can tell a story. No player I’ve covered is a better quote than Thrill. He’s got such a style to the way that he thinks and talks that he can make the most mundane details seem sublime. Following an impressive, 125-107 win over the Orlando Magic last November, Will once told a small group of eager reporters:

“My mindset right now is on a whole ‘nother level, man. I’m so excited to play basketball, I’m so excited about this team...I’m in a whole ‘nother space and a whole ‘nother place right now and I’m just with it.”

That quote so perfectly encapsulates Will Barton. His love of basketball is as infectious as his personality. The fame, the fashion, and the money are all great and Will seems to know how to enjoy all of those things as well as anybody. But Will exudes a joy and a passion for the game of basketball that grabs hold of anyone within earshot.

All this despite the fact that Will’s road to the NBA was a windy one. In this episode, Will retraces his steps, reflecting on some of the lessons he learned along the way and sharing the emotional highs and lows he learned to embrace.

Part One

Part Two

COME JOIN OUR DENVER NUGGETS WATCH PARTY

We are co-hosting a Denver Nuggets watch party with the Denver Nuggets, Budweiser, Rhein Haus, Super Mascot Rocky, and the Denver Nuggets Dancers. The Nuggets will be in Los Angeles to take on the Los Angeles Clippers and we will be at the Rhein Haus, cheering on the team, giving away tickets, Denver Nuggets merchandise, and enjoying some great drink specials.

The party starts at 7:00. The game starts at 8:30. Come meet fellow Nuggets fans and watch the first game of the season in a fun and lively atmosphere.