Will Barton calls ‘little brother’ Nah’Shon Hyland a breath of fresh air

Denver Nuggets veteran Will Barton this week spoke very highly of incoming rookie teammate Nah’Shon “Bones” Hyland ahead of the start of training camp next week.

The two have had a longstanding friendship dating back to when Hyland was in high school. He attended a basketball camp organized by Barton and has stayed in touch since then. Barton even talked to Hyland when he interviewed with the Nuggets during the pre-draft process.

“That is my little brother, that means a lot to me,” Barton said on Wednesday. “We always had a connection. I was always in communication. To know his story, the adversity he has been through, it is pretty exciting just to see him in the NBA period. Now, we’re on the same team; it’s very exciting.”

Hyland suffered through a tragic loss in March 2018 when a house fire took the life of his grandmother and one-year-old cousin. He also endured a significant knee injury when he was forced to jump from the second story to escape the fire, but he manages to maintain a positive attitude.

Listening to Hyland, it doesn’t take long to root for him. From his signature laugh, to his wholesome demeanor, it likely won’t take long for Hyland to become a fan favorite in Denver. He has seemingly injected those traits into the team in such a short period of time.

“The good thing about Bones is he just loves to play,” Barton said. “It’s like a breath of fresh air to see someone young and energetic just looking forward to their career who wants to play every day. He just brings that energy around.”

Hyland projects to offer plenty on the court, though, it is clear that he will have an impact off of it, as well. His positive attitude appears to be rubbing off on some of his teammates and that should only ensure his career will begin on a high note.

This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!

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