Utah Jazz Training Camp Battles: Back-Up Wing
Alec Burks
When healthy, Alec Burks is without a doubt the best choice as the first shooting guard off the bench. In fact, in his highs, Burks could even challenge Hood for the starting gig. However, during 2015 training camp and the early part of the 2015-16 season, Burks proved to be the most effective fit when coming off the bench in a Sixth Man type role.
Assuming Burks is playing at a high level, he still deserves “Sixth Man” type minutes and should be logging the most minutes of any non-starter. On nights when he has the hot hand, he could certainly even log more minutes than Hood and play along the other starters.
Burks is exceptional at creating his own shot and finishing around the basket, however he has yet to show the all-around versatility that the Jazz need out of him in order for him to be a key cog in their 10-man rotation.
In 31 games played in 2015-16, he did shoot a career high 40.5% from deep, but his overall field goal percentage has dropped considerably since the 45.7 percent that he shot in 2013-14 which was his best season and, not coincidentally, his healthiest.
Which truly is where the greatest problem has lied with Burks – in his inability to stay healthy. A lot of his inconsistencies and declining field goal percentage can be attributed to lack of time on the court. If he’s able to play in 70 or more games this season, it will be a huge boost to his confidence, continuity and to the Jazz’s bench.
However, if Burks struggles in any way or isn’t healthy, the load will likely fall on Joe Ingles’ shoulders to pick up the slack in the second unit, an assignment that he has grown very used to in recent years because of the team’s injury struggles.
Next: Joe Ingles