Trey Burke Deserves More Playing Time For Utah Jazz In Second Half Of 2015-16

After spending two seasons as at least a part-time starter with the Utah Jazz, Trey Burke now sits behind Raul Neto on the depth chart. Even with the demotion, the former Michigan Wolverines player is having the best season of his NBA career, and deserves to be given back his starting spot from head coach Quin Snyder.

Burke’s minutes have diminished significantly from 32.2 minutes per game his rookie season and 30.1 last season to 24.3 throughout this year’s campaign, but his statistics have showed little decline. After averaging 12.8 points, 4.3 assists, 2.7 rebounds, and .9 steals per game in his second season out of Michigan, his averages are only down to 12.3 points, 2.7 assists, 2 rebounds, and .7 steals per game.

He is for sure more talented than he was in past years, but after losing so much time from his previous seasons, his numbers should be way down. Even with his confidence shot down, Burke continues to impress in whatever minutes he is given.

Neto, the point guard Burke now sits behind, has not even been that productive in his starting role. With averages of 5.6 points, 2.4 assists, 1.4 rebounds, and .8 steals in his first year out of Brazil, it is a question as to why he even owns the starting job. Even though he averages fewer minutes than Burke, 19.2, starting means something, and should go to the far superior player.

Utah is currently only a half game out of a playoff spot, and needs to have Burke starting at point guard to solidify their positioning. He desrves more time, and should prove to be one the the league’s best point guards if given the opportunity.