Will Barton is ready to go for Nuggets' opener after scary post-practice fall

SALT LAKE CITY — After a scary fall while playing one-on-one after practice Monday, Will Barton is healthy and ready to go for the Nuggets’ opener Wednesday in Utah.

“I had some relief yesterday when I went down to the locker room and saw him and he was just in his locker laughing, joking, so I think it was more of a scare for him and everybody else,” Nuggets’ coach Malone said after Denver wrapped up their Tuesday morning practice. “And thank goodness it wasn’t anything serious.”

As Malone was delivering his opening remarks to a group of reporters on Monday, Barton yelled out in pain after landing awkwardly on the far end of the court. Malone left his post on the near side of the Pepsi Center practice court and ventured across the floor to check on Barton. Denver’s coach then returned and said he thinks Barton injured his ankle. The swingman had to be helped off the floor by a few teammates and was putting minimal pressure on his right foot.

“It was a little scary when it first happened, but I’m fine,” Barton said.

Barton then confirmed that he’ll be a full go for the Nuggets’ regular-season opener Wednesday night against the Jazz.

“Who me? No, I’m good,” Barton responded when asked if he’ll be playing with any restrictions.

The 26-year-old is expected to be a significant contributor once again to a Nuggets’ team that enters the 2017-18 campaign with heightened expectations. A year ago, Barton averaged 13.7 points on 44.3 percent shooting from the field and 37.0 percent from three.

Barton’s expected to play the role as Denver’s sixth man again this year, and will see a heavy dose of minutes at point guard as well — a role he played at times last season with the Nuggets’ bench unit.