Nuggets veteran Will Barton is authentic and honest. The last thing he could be described as is ambiguous.

Following his return to the basketball court Wednesday night – essentially his first action in nine months – Barton reiterated he doesn’t view himself as a reserve.

“Like I said, I’m a starter,” said Barton after logging nine points and three assists in 18 minutes off the bench. “I looked comfortable out there because I’m just that good of a basketball player. I’m comfortable with playing with anybody on the planet. It doesn’t really matter. I put a lot of hard work into this game, and I think it shows when I’m healthy. I have no plans on being the sixth man. I have no desire to be that at all.”

Source: Mike Singer of The Denver Post

ANALYSIS: Michael Malone is a huge proponent of Barton's skill set, so it wouldn't be surprising if the Nuggets' head coach feels the same way. What should be noted, however, is the emergence of Michael Porter Jr. since the Bubble. Could that affect Barton's role, despite the difference in position? Only time will tell. But it's clear that Will The Thrill expects to be in that starting five when the dust settles and the regular season begins.