A Former Memphis Star Takes on a Coaching Role
Will Barton, a 11‑year NBA veteran and former Memphis Tigers standout, has been announced as the newest player development coach for the Minnesota Timberwolves. The move comes after a decade of professional play that saw him wear the jerseys of Portland, Denver, Washington and Toronto, and it marks the second time a former Memphis player has joined the Wolves’ staff in as many years.
Barton’s collegiate career at Memphis was nothing short of spectacular. From 2010 to 2012 he helped the Tigers capture back‑to‑back NCAA Tournament berths and earned Conference USA Player of the Year as a sophomore, averaging 18 points per game. He finished his Memphis tenure with 1,062 points, leaving a lasting imprint on a program that had not seen such prominence in decades.
After being traded to Denver in 2015, Barton spent seven-plus seasons with the Nuggets, where he became a trusted locker‑room presence and contributed to a championship‑contending squad. His relationship with general manager Tim Connelly, forged during that trade, opened doors to coaching opportunities, eventually leading him to the Iowa Wolves, Minnesota’s G‑League affiliate, where he served as an assistant coach.
A Strategic Investment in Development
The hiring of Barton follows the recent recruitment of Joey Dorsey, another Memphis alum, to the Timberwolves’ coaching staff. Together, the two former Tigers bring a blend of NBA experience and developmental insight that the franchise hopes will accelerate the growth of its younger players.
Nicknamed “The Thrill” for his high‑flying style, Barton is expected to focus on skill refinement, basketball IQ and mental preparation. His stint under Tim Connelly in Denver gave him a front‑row seat to modern offensive schemes, and he now aims to translate that knowledge into the Wolves’ player development program.
Fans and analysts alike view the appointment as a strategic move to strengthen the team’s pipeline. By leveraging the legacy of Memphis basketball and the network of connections forged over his career, Barton is poised to help shape the next generation of Timberwolves talent.