Trey Burke averaged 18.6 points and 6.7 assists in 38 games at Michigan last season. (John W. McDonough/SI)
The Timberwolves selected Trey Burke with the No. 9 pick in the NBA draft on Thursday and traded him to the Jazz for the No. 14 and No. 21 picks. Here s a look at Burke and how he fits with Utah
Bio Michigan Sophomore Point Guard
Vitals 6 1 187 pounds
2012 13 Statistics 18.6 points 6.7 assists 3.2 rebounds 1.6 steals 46.3 percent shooting from the field 38.4 percent from three point range in 38 games.
Strengths Burke led a young Michigan team to the national title game with his playmaking and efficiency as a high usage scorer. His comfort level in the pick and roll bodes well for the NBA where many offenses are built around that bread and butter play. Burke improved his shooting and cut his turnovers from his freshman to sophomore seasons.
Weaknesses Can Burke thrive despite lacking size and elite quickness He ll need all of his guile to finish in the paint without that advantage in athleticism. Whether he can hold up defensively against a deep diverse pool of NBA point guard talent is also an open question.
What Scouts Say I like Burke because he s a winner he s tough and he can score. He s got some D.J. Augustin in him. He loves to prove people wrong. We like our guards big but look at guys like Chris Paul and Tony Parker. I think Burke is a solid point guard but I don t see the All Star level.
Team Fit Already set at point guard with Ricky Rubio there wasn t going to be any meaningful opportunity available to Burke in Minnesota. Burke is reportedly being dealt to Utha where he will have the opportunity to start pending a decision on incumbent Mo Williams. A pure pick and roll player with a nice balanced offensive game Burke will fit snugly in a young core that includes Alec Burks Gordon Hayward Enes Kanter and Derrick Favors. That s a solid quintet that will have the opportunity to grow together for years to come.
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