Burks is the Best Wing In Class

[orangello]

Here is a good article posted on Hoopsworld:

https://www.draftexpress.com/article/Just-By-the-Numbers-the-2011-Wing-Crop-3750/

It rated Burks as the best wing in the draft. The reason that Burks is so high is because of his ability to get the ball into the basket.

On another note, his rebounds were high and his assists were int he top half and that is with having terrible teammates at Colorado.

 

[dipship31]

I liked seeing that he gets to the FT line most often of the bunch.

 

[zman1527]

I heard Horny on the radio Monday. he said one thing they really liked about him is that he has a second gear that most guys don't have. Should a fun youngin to watch develop.

 

[mhindy]

It's also nice to have a guy who recognizes his shortcomings. You never hear C.J. talking about how he plays better when he attacks the basket first, but Burks is all over his perceived inability to shoot the deep ball.

I bet he's a nice surprise a couple of years down the road for us.

 

[The Midnight]

Some comments below...

Stand out Stats

I really like the Free Throw Attempts per possession of 0.45.

That's by far the highest in his class. He also makes 80% of his FT shots.

All Star players make a living at the FT line (Durant, Westbrook, Kobe, Wade, etc). 3pt shot can go on/off. But IMO it is much safer to slash to the basket as it opens up so many more options:

1) get an easy layup/dunk;
2) make the offense collapse & pass out to an open man; or
3) get to the foul line.

Fit with Utah

I think he's the kind of player Utah has been missing for a while (with the exception of DWill). Someone who, when nothing's on, can make something happen, either by slashing & dish, or slashing & get a foul. When the game's on the line, sometimes there's nothing better than just isolate your man and/or screen & roll, and let him go to work.

If he can get to the line at the same rate in the NBA, I think the kid has a really, really bright future.

 

[carolinajazz]

When the game's on the line, sometimes there's nothing better than just isolate your man and let him go to work.

...yeah, that sure worked well for Lebron and Wade against the Mav's!

 

[The Midnight]

...yeah, that sure worked well for Lebron and Wade against the Mav's!

Dirk hits a couple of game winning lay-ups in iso...

Also I did say "and/or screen & roll" .. not sure why it didn't get picked up in your quote..

 

[Deleted member 365]

...yeah, that sure worked well for Lebron and Wade against the Mav's!

Uhhhh...

Had Lebron actually attacked the basket, perhaps he'd be the one with the ring right now. Lebron became CJ Miles the last 3 games. He chilled 30 feet away from the basket and chucked up the first 3 pointer he could.

 

[Joe Bagadonuts]

Dirk hits a couple of game winning lay-ups in iso...

Also I did say "and/or screen & roll" .. not sure why it didn't get picked up in your quote..

Sheesh. Don't get so hung up on facts. It's a lot harder for people to attack you if they aren't allowed to do a little freelancing and adjust your quote to meet their needs.

 

[Revolution 9]

I have a feeling he's going to bong with CJ Miles....let's hope he doesn't rub off on him.


Edit: Ahem that was meant to be bond....but somehow that works as well ;-)

 

[Mongoose]

I liked seeing that he gets to the FT line most often of the bunch.

Seriously... Every other time Burks touched the ball he went to the line, you gotta like that!

 

[7StraightIsGreat]

I'm really trying to have some guarded optimism with Burks because I know how hard it is to find a future all-star at the #12 spot, but I REALLY like his potential. Just my opinion, but I think the only thing lacking in his entire game is the 3point shooting and I have to think Hornacek can help him improve upon that. This isn't a Ronnie Brewer scenario in which you've got an unorthodox shooting motion, etc. Burks seems to have a nice stroke, the shots just don't fall. That's where a good shooting coach and a committment to improve your game can make a world of difference.

Where does Burks go in this draft if he's an above average 3point shooter? My guess is top 5 or 6 considering everything else he brings to the table. If he can indeed improve his shooting, Utah just got a steal.