Memphis sophomore guard Will Barton's stock is on the rise after a solid showing at the Chicago pre-draft combine and has a scheduled work out with the Atlanta Hawks who have the 23rd pick in the first round. Barton was Conference USA Player of the Year last season in which he averaged 18 points and eight rebounds a game.
Before the combine Barton had been projected as a second round pick. Now his stock is on the rise and he has already worked out with a number of teams that have late first round selections like the Boston Celtics, Miami Heat and Chicago Bulls.
"I just want to go out there and showcase my talent, show everything I can do," Barton said. "Not just on the court, but off the court. Show that I'm a good person, a professional and just how well-rounded I am. I shot the ball real well (at the combine). That's something I've been working on, just staying consistent with my shot. I feel like when I'm consistent with my shot, it's hard to contain me."
Barton also has upcoming workouts scheduled with Atlanta, Denver, Milwaukee and Indiana leading up to the draft. The Hawks could look to draft the best player available at No. 23 given that they only have six players under contract for next season and could use anyone that would provide depth. Reserve guards Kirk Hinrich, Jannero Pargo and Willie Green are all free agents so a player like Barton could conceivably slide right into the rotation.
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