Trey Burke, New York Knicks

Burke leapfrogged Jarrett Jack for New York's Walton spot and resurrected a career that appeared headed toward China. As Mike Vorkunov wrote at The Athletic, change had to start with Burke cleaning up his off-court life. Teams intrigued by his talent were turned off when they dug deeper. Burke matured.

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The results have been beyond anything any reasonable person could have dreamed. Burke in New York has the statistical profile of a star. He's shooting well from everywhere: 39 percent from deep, Nowitzkian levels from midrange on colossal volume, and even 73 percent at the rim -- once a no-fly zone for an undersized guy with average athleticism.

Burke isn't just hunting points. He has assisted on almost 40 percent of New York's baskets while on the floor, a borderline top-five number. He has developed a nice pick-and-roll chemistry with Michael Beasley, captain of last year's Waltons; New York has scored 1.28 points per possession on any trip featuring a Burke-Beasley pick-and-roll, the fourth-best (!) mark among almost 300 duos that have run at least 150 such plays, per Second Spectrum.

Only six players over the past two seasons have commandeered such a large share of possessions with shots and assists: LeBron, Russell Westbrook, John Wall, James Harden, Dennis Schroder, and D'Angelo Russell.

Most of those guys are stars. Burke fashions himself an All-Star. Almost every team -- including the Knicks -- considers Burke a very nice backup, even now. They are all wondering how Burke will receive that message.

Some of his shooting numbers are unsustainable. He'll never be a plus defender. But his life is in order, and he adjusted to the superior athleticism of NBA defenders by adding subtle craft to his pick-and-roll game -- fakes to set up defenders before he uses a screen, change-of-pace dribbles, other goodies.

He is a good shooter capable of playing off the ball and producing a decent midrange shot in a pinch. He should stick beyond his contract, which runs through next season.

Seriously, the competition between Burke and Young could be epic, and help elevate their respective games. Not since Mark Jackson and Rod Strikland. Hopefully with a better ending.

BigDaddyG wrote:

fishmike wrote:They built up Burke nicely and I think they hand him the keys next year. Knicks arent drafting trae young. So many better options. Not even funny

I'll never say there's no chance. It depends on Perry's draft philosophy. But I agree that there may be better options. Porter's performance in team workouts will play a huge part in how this draft goes. Trading down might serve us better? If Trae kills it in workouts it may be hard to pass him up on value alone. I could also see someone like Bamba falling. He's the definition of boom or bust.
But Burke is so cheap that I feel he at least fills a role as a stop gap.

GustavBahler wrote:Yawn, when Burke makes John Boy Walton's all stars, let me know. Luke Walton....John Boy could ball!

Seriously, the competition between Burke and Young could be epic, and help elevate their respective games. Not since Mark Jackson and Rod Strikland. Hopefully with a better ending.

GustavBahler wrote:

fishmike wrote:They built up Burke nicely and I think they hand him the keys next year. Knicks arent drafting trae young. So many better options. Not even funny

Not even funny, the 180 you will do, if they draft him.

fishmike wrote:

GustavBahler wrote:

fishmike wrote:They built up Burke nicely and I think they hand him the keys next year. Knicks arent drafting trae young. So many better options. Not even funny

Not even funny, the 180 you will do, if they draft him.

I would support and root for any on this team, and I would not cry and post weekly threads about how much better my guy is. Doesnt mean I would ever agree with it, but I would hope and pray to be proved wrong. Nothing would make me happier than to draft a star. I dont care about being right. Ever. Trust me... if you have been here long enough you know. Young is a talented college player. Would be a total waste pick IMO

Nope, youd say "I was a Trae fan all along!" Young has elite speed, and sees the floor well. That combination should be enough for him to avoid being a wasted pick. Never mind the shooting from the parking lot.

newyorknewyork wrote:

GustavBahler wrote:Yawn, when Burke makes John Boy Walton's all stars, let me know. Luke Walton....John Boy could ball!

Seriously, the competition between Burke and Young could be epic, and help elevate their respective games. Not since Mark Jackson and Rod Strikland. Hopefully with a better ending.

Wouldn't Young and Burke provide similar things in theory? Or do you see a Lillard/CJ combo?

GustavBahler wrote:

CrushAlot wrote:

GustavBahler wrote:Yawn, when Burke makes John Boy Walton's all stars, let me know. Luke Walton....John Boy could ball!

Seriously, the competition between Burke and Young could be epic, and help elevate their respective games. Not since Mark Jackson and Rod Strikland. Hopefully with a better ending.

Only one guy made it.

Like you couldnt find one of the 100s of pictures out there of John Boy Walton dunking? What about the Tomahawk Jam he threw down on Ike the Grocer in season 3? Pshaw.

As for the numbers you posted upthread, not so sure Burke could keep up that pace for a full season as starter.

GustavBahler wrote:

newyorknewyork wrote:

newyorknewyork wrote:

GustavBahler wrote:Yawn, when Burke makes John Boy Walton's all stars, let me know. Luke Walton....John Boy could ball!

Seriously, the competition between Burke and Young could be epic, and help elevate their respective games. Not since Mark Jackson and Rod Strikland. Hopefully with a better ending.

Wouldn't Young and Burke provide similar things in theory? Or do you see a Lillard/CJ combo?

Though Lillard and CJ are both about 6'3

I agree they provide similar things, and I cant blame anyone for saying that wanting the Knicks to draft Young is counter-intuitive. I see two PGs who have the ability to run the other team ragged. Putting aside who starts first. Whoever the Knicks face would have to deal with 2 very fast PGs who would be pushing the tempo for most of those 48 minutes.

I dont see them as a backcourt (for the reason you mentioned). Young would push Burke to play like a starter, and Frank would push THJ to be more consistent. I see lots of competition there for minutes. Which is a good way to bring out their best.

If they all step up.(or most of them) we would have assets to move to address other areas, if needed, like the frontcourt. Just not too keen on drafting a big, when our backcourt still needs filling out. Burke is the only real PG we have right now. Would rather not bring an older vet in again.

Now hear me out. Burke's emergence may allow us to groom a player like SGA if he can shoot or Kyrie Thomas. SGA & Frank both being 6'6 with 7 ft wing span players with the potential to defend, shoot, playmake may be a unique thing we can piece together. Similar with the idea they had bringing in Mudiay but with a better prospect. You could play all 3 of them at the same time could have Frank guard the toughest matchup. SGA guard the PG and Burke could take the easier matchup allowing him free reign to light it up. When SGA & Frank mature you could have a dynamic 2-way wing combination. Who can create and pass.

With Kyrie Thomas he can develop more PG skills behind Burke and is monster defender in college with extreme efficient shooting numbers. With a lot of size and length who can guard 1-3 as well. Would be able to trade down for a Kryie and pick up another piece. That may be worth more the just Trey Young and Kryie could very easily translate better in the NBA ala Mitchell and Jrue Holiday. And fit better. Kryie's potential if he develops real PG skills is higher than Young due to his monster defensive capabilities and shooting capabilities, size and length.