Utah Jazz SG Alec Burks Breaking Out In 3rd Season

aa
Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

The Utah Jazz spread their minutes around like a little league team with an “everybody gets to play” policy. Unfortunately for the Jazz, unlike some of those leagues, the NBA keeps score. Utah took a major beating from the Brooklyn Nets, falling 104-88 on Tuesday Night, keeping their season winless through four games.

One bright spot to their slow start has been the emergence of third-year shooting guard Alec Burks, who deserves a larger share of playing time. Coming into Tuesday’s game, Burks was fifth on the team in minutes played, but first in points with 18 per game and second with three assists per contest.

The former Colorado Buffalo didn’t have his best shooting night against the Nets hitting 4-of-13 from the field for 13 points, but did manage five rebounds, four assists and three steals. Up from 17.8 per game last year, he has come off the bench to average 30.7 minutes this season. The bigger role was overdue and with his recent production, it doesn’t seem like a bad idea to increase it in even further.

Tuesday night Burks saw a slight decrease in playing time with 28 minutes, but if Utah wants to see progress form their young players, they need to let them see the court more often. The Jazz are rebuilding and allowing Burks and the other young guys a chance to develop is definitely in the team’s best interest.

Aaron Charles is a writer for www.rantsports.com. Follow him on twitter @aaroncharleskc or add him to your network on Google.

Related Articles:

Utah Jazz 2013 Player Profile: Alec Burks

Share On FacebookShare StumbleUpon