Burks is effectively playing the same role in his third season at age 22 as Harden played in his third season at age 22.
2 years ago, when Harden was Burks' age, Harden had a TS% of .660 (3rd in the league among players who played 1000+ minutes, after Tyson Chandler and Steve Novak), with more than one free throw attempt per 2-point field goal attempt (6.0 FTA, 5.4 2PA per game; .579 2P%. .390 3P%, .846 FT%; 19.3 PTS/36). Harden shot 67% in the restricted area, with only 30% of those baskets assisted.
Burks this year has a TS% of .526 (below current league average of .537), with less than half as many free throw attempts as 2-point field goal attempts (4.2 FTA, 8.8 2PA; .458 2P%, .342 3P%, .761 FT%; 17.0 PTS/36). Burks is shooting 58% in the restricted area, with 35% of those baskets assisted.