Burks a SG? Maybe not..................

[orangello]

I have been trying ot hear more and more commentary from Jazz management about this pick of Burks and what I have been hearing is really suprising. Corbin mentioned hium playing the PG about two or three times and now Locke has been talking about it too. Corbin also said that the most underrated part of Burks game is his passing ability.

I think that I am starting to see why the Jazz didn't trade up in hopes to get Knight. I think we might end up seeing about 10 or 15 minutes a night from Burks at the PG position. Only time will tell but I am certainly intrigued.

I also like the fact that the person that he wants to see eye to eye in the NBA is Kevin Durant. He sounds like he is extremely competitive. I like that a lot. He also said that his goal for his rookie season is to come in and contribute right away.

 

[Saint Cy of JFC]

I'll be surprised if gets any PG time. Offensively I think he could, but can he defend PG's?

 

[NAOS]

I'll be surprised if gets any PG time. Offensively I think he could, but can he defend PG's?

He can defend that spot better than Jimmer can.

In all seriousness, as I've said in another thread, if he is able to defend the 1, then we got the steal of the draft. He and Hayward together in the backcourt for 10 to 15 could be interesting!

 

[Thee Idiotic Minivan K]

I'll be surprised if gets any PG time. Offensively I think he could, but can he defend PG's?

I don't see why not, he's only 196 lb.'s and fairly athletic couldn't be any worse than D-Will was.

I also heard that Ty thinks he can play three positions in the NBA if so that would be great. If he develops into a decent defender (has the tools and skills to do so) he could be the guy that can give the elite pg's fits.

 

[NotDeadYet]

With his length and ball handling skills, I can't see many PG's being able to stop HIM, either. Very good point re: Jimmer, too... If Burks learns to use that length and move his feet defensively, he might be OK defensively. With our roster make-up now, Burks may well be our 3rd PG, assuming Watson returns to remain our #2 PG. Adding Watson gives us 12 guys. We'll see once TC commences...

 

[orangello]

I just listened to a podcast with Chad Ford and there was two things that were brought up that I think people would like to know.

The first is that the Jazz began to really like Burks about a week ago when they started looking a tape of him and saw his passing ability. When they saw it they knew that he could play some point for the Jazz in the future. That just goes along with all of the other things that I have heard today and last night.

The second might have to deal with the Jazz and it might not but it is worth mentioning. According to Chad Ford there were even more trades (about 6 more I believe he said) that were int he works and right before the pick was due the team that was holding the pick demanded more money or other assets to finalize the deal. So basically, there was a deal agreed to by two teams and when it actually came due the "rug" was pulled out form under them. Ford also said that he was getting complaints from the old school GMs and it was the new school GMs that were changing theri mind.

I bring this up because I know that the Jazz were really high on Malcom Lee. I think that he is going to be a steal of this draft. I wonder if the Jazz had a deal in place with the Timberwolves for him and Kahn changed his mond. This makes sense to me because Kahn is a new GM, he is a wheeler and a dealer and the T-Wolves have no need for Lee on their roster. They are packed with young talent and that is why they traded the #20 pick to Houston to get some veteran help. Why would they then go and draft another young guy that will be their 3rd string PG?

 

[Dr. Jones]

I'm sorry to reference UK in this, really. But our greatest defender we've had in years was Deandre Liggins and he is 6'6 215lbs. Also, his combine athletic numbers weren't flattering. However, he was always asked to be the one to defend the fastest little **** PG's. His combination his length and defensive attitude was very problematic and he was named all SEC defensive guy. Liggins always gave Wall and Knight some problems in practices. I think Burks can be very similar.

 

[mfree]

Over the years, the Jazz have had a few 2 guard types that made me wonder how they would do at the point. They have always gone the other way by playing a PG at the two from time to time. I really like the idea of trying Burks as a PG, and also the idea of having a SG with PG skills (which the Jazz really seem to like).

I believe he will be able to guard PG's, and if he can.... a 6'6" PG could create some really good mismatches.

I really hope the Jazz are serious about this and really give it a shot.

 

[Bronco70]

One thing about Burks; he seems to have the drive of a superstar. He may not appear to have the talent level to actually become one, but the fact that he is so motivated is very promising. Those are the kind of players that achieve great things. Personally, I think that's much better than picking up a player who has been hyped, and already feels entitled.

 

[GVC]

As posted in another thread, Burks also has a 6'10'' wing span and 8'7.5'' standing reach. That is, he has the length of a 3. He also tested out as faster and quicker than Chris Paul. I try not to put too much stock in the measurements, but the dude has the length/quickness to play 1-3 if he gains a little weight.

 

[Stifle Tower]

If Burks can be a backup at PG and has the length of a SF then I've definitely changed my mind about this pick. Jazz, IMO, have always had too many guys they try to work into the rotation. Utah needs to have a core 7 or 8 and then a specialist or two (such as an extra 3-pt shooter, match-up defender at SG/SF or an extra big who can mete out hard fouls when necessary). If you have 6 main guys averaging 34 mins. each, that leaves 36 mins for another two players.

Jazz have generally gone with traditional PG's, but maybe that changes with this pick. Perhaps Burks is a 6th-man combo guard who gets all his mins as the backup behind Hayward and Harris. That allows the Jazz to look or trade (Millsap at some point?) for a starting SF and add a developmental PG. Or the size of Burks might mean he or Hayward can start at SF and the Jazz would just need a specialist to match up against any bigger, stronger SF's.

 

[Harcher]

Excellent passing skills are coveted by wings in the Jazz high post offense. While it is possible that he'd translate to a PG, it is perfect that he is a "passing guard."

So here is my hope:
* Kanter and Favors mature to be excellent, similar high post potential players.
* Hayward and Burks appear to fit the mold of wing players - passing, shooting, moving, finishing. I think they could fit that wing position very well.

Imagine if going left side or right side was equally powerful (something the Boozer/Okur was offensively, and was quite effective, but we didn't have the equal at the wings.) Also, i think Milsap is the exact right guy to have in the mix as well for this. He is an excellnet HighPost guy and when it calls for his matchup he can be a force. And CJ is also fits the mold of the wing (just reign him in to play within system.) So it appears we could have a group of players who operate similarly enough to make a well oiled machine. Adequate rests for the long season, insurance on injuries, ultimate familiarity with such consistency. I think the Spurs have done well with Parker and Ginobili being 'identical' in their skills sets for their (very) high pick and roll. Parker and Ginoboli are arguably the best in the business at this and they are on the same team; such a luxury for offensive continuity.

So that leaves Big Al and DHar to fit in somehow... or not...

 

[orangello]

So that leaves Big Al and DHar to fit in somehow... or not...

I love that!!! Someone else that gets why Millsap should stay and Jefferson go.

 

[cowhide]

I'm sorry to reference UK in this, really. But our greatest defender we've had in years was Deandre Liggins and he is 6'6 215lbs. Also, his combine athletic numbers weren't flattering. However, he was always asked to be the one to defend the fastest little shi* PG's. His combination his length and defensive attitude was very problematic and he was named all SEC defensive guy. Liggins always gave Wall and Knight some problems in practices. I think Burks can be very similar.

The first time I saw Burks, I remember saying wow this kid could play PG. I have liked him for a while and was very happy the Jazz had an opportunity to pick him. I liked Leonard and Singleton but Burks was a better fit due to the fact I think he can play PG. My first impressions of Liggins were very positive. I thought he had a nice 3 pt shot and his defense was impressive. Watching Kentucky in the tournament, I actually liked him better than T. Jones. I am saying he is better than Jones, but I just liked his BB IQ. I think Orlando got a steal. I think it is nice to have a longer player that is quick enough to guard some of these star PGs. I remember a few teams putting bigger guys on DW and it bother him a little.

 

[cowhide]

If Burks can be a backup at PG and has the length of a SF then I've definitely changed my mind about this pick. Jazz, IMO, have always had too many guys they try to work into the rotation. Utah needs to have a core 7 or 8 and then a specialist or two (such as an extra 3-pt shooter, match-up defender at SG/SF or an extra big who can mete out hard fouls when necessary). If you have 6 main guys averaging 34 mins. each, that leaves 36 mins for another two players.

Jazz have generally gone with traditional PG's, but maybe that changes with this pick. Perhaps Burks is a 6th-man combo guard who gets all his mins as the backup behind Hayward and Harris. That allows the Jazz to look or trade (Millsap at some point?) for a starting SF and add a developmental PG. Or the size of Burks might mean he or Hayward can start at SF and the Jazz would just need a specialist to match up against any bigger, stronger SF's.

During the regular season more guys play, as the playoffs start the core guys play the most. However it never hurts to have a full bench. Look at Dallas they worn down the Heat with their deep bench. I bet 10 guys played in the Finals. Most of them contributed to the team winning. I think the Jazz are going more towards a two guard system with players like Burks and Hayward.

 

[cowhide]

If Burks can be a backup at PG and has the length of a SF then I've definitely changed my mind about this pick. Jazz, IMO, have always had too many guys they try to work into the rotation. Utah needs to have a core 7 or 8 and then a specialist or two (such as an extra 3-pt shooter, match-up defender at SG/SF or an extra big who can mete out hard fouls when necessary). If you have 6 main guys averaging 34 mins. each, that leaves 36 mins for another two players.

Jazz have generally gone with traditional PG's, but maybe that changes with this pick. Perhaps Burks is a 6th-man combo guard who gets all his mins as the backup behind Hayward and Harris. That allows the Jazz to look or trade (Millsap at some point?) for a starting SF and add a developmental PG. Or the size of Burks might mean he or Hayward can start at SF and the Jazz would just need a specialist to match up against any bigger, stronger SF's.

During the regular season more guys play, as the playoffs start the core guys play the most. However it never hurts to have a full bench. Look at Dallas they worn down the Heat with their deep bench. I bet 10 guys played in the Finals. Most of them contributed to the team winning. I think the Jazz are going more towards a two guard system with players like Burks and Hayward.

 

[Jeffrey32]

I thought it was odd that they took Burks instead of a true SF. Obvioulsy in Utah's system the 2 and 3 are fairly interchangeable, but with Gordon showing his best skills at 2, Miles' option not being picked up yet, and Kirilenko a free agent, I would have thought they would go for a long athletic small forward at the 12 spot like Chris Singleton or Kawhi Leonard.

 

[Harcher]

I thought it was odd that they took Burks instead of a true SF. Obvioulsy in Utah's system the 2 and 3 are fairly interchangeable, but with Gordon showing his best skills at 2, Miles' option not being picked up yet, and Kirilenko a free agent, I would have thought they would go for a long athletic small forward at the 12 spot like Chris Singleton or Kawhi Leonard.

I think the Jazz took the BPA, but with a reasonable fit as you note 2 and 3 are same. It is almost as if the Jazz have 3 positions. PG, Wing, Forward. I say this based off the assumption that the Jazz will focus on the HighPost offense. It seems more that the distinctions that are 1,2,3,4,5 are more defensive. and needing someone to match up iwth Kobe "taller athletic SG." JJ Berea "short, lightning PG", etc.

With this pick the Jazz are eyeing next year (not something i'm versed in but many here say there is SF-like wings available in next years draft.) So it is a long term process.

 

[Harcher]

I love that!!! Someone else that gets why Millsap should stay and Jefferson go.

The hard part with Big Al is that from a "gimme the ball and i'll do the rest" perspective he is significantly better than Milsap. Actually, he's on a resonably short list in the NBA for that skill. That is why i feel some level of blaspheme to suggest moving him. However, i suggest it by the FIT of the system we are (seemingly, hopingly, message-board fodderly) able to put together.

I'm still on board with giving him another year (or half year... ) to see if he can convert into a system guy. (Obviously, examine how 'the plan' is unfolding over the next year for that decision to be made.)

 

[Harcher]

So what are the different skills of a 2 vs 3 offensively for the Jazz?

What about differences defensively?