While Alec Burks has not been with the Cleveland Cavaliers for long, he surely has increased his value as a player despite playing on the worst team in the NBA, and Cleveland should keep him around for the long-term.
Though common knowledge of the NBA would make you believe Alec Burks will likely be on his way out of town before he ever gets a chance to settle down with the Cleveland Cavaliers. However, it may be in the Cavaliers’ best interest to hold onto Burks, as he does provide quite a bit of value.
Burks spent the first seven seasons of his career as a member of the Utah Jazz. With the Jazz, Burks showed flashes of talent, but injuries often stopped Burks’ career from truly taking off. Only one time (in the 2013-14 season) did Burks manage to play in more than 70 games (per Basketball Reference), though he did play in 59 of the 66 games during his rookie campaign (in a lockout shortened season).
That 2013-14 season happened to be the best statistical season in Burks’ career, where he put up 14.0 points per game and shot 45.7 percent from the field. So when healthy, Burks is capable of being a solid contributor on any NBA ball club.
That experience is just why the Cavaliers should keep Burks around. Though he is only 27 years old, Burks would be considered a seasoned veteran of the game. Cleveland needs some veteran presence on the club, and more importantly, a veteran presence that can still lace up his shoes and contribute in a big way.
Channing Frye is without a doubt a wonderful addition to the Cavs’ young locker room, but Frye is on the team more so for his voice than his skill on the court. Having a no-nonsense veteran like Burks to mix in amongst the younger players would be an ideal situation.
In order for the young players on the team to grow, they need as much stability as they can get in today’s NBA landscape. Having players shuffled in and out of the organization faster than a deck of cards does not bode well for players such as Collin Sexton and Cedi Osman.
More from Cavs Analysis
- The Cavaliers may have snagged a hidden gem in Craig Porter Jr.
- This stat is one to keep an eye on for Cavaliers’ Max Strus in years ahead
- Projecting how much Cavs’ 3 two-way signings might play this season
- 4 Cavaliers looking to make a name for themselves in training camp
- Mitchell’s numbers getting trimmed a bit wouldn’t be bad thing for Cavaliers
These players need to see the same faces, build chemistry and a rapport with them and learn each other’s tendencies.
Burks brings that to the lineup, and with him bringing a professional attitude to the team night in and night out would show Sexton and Osman how to be a true professional.
Besides, if you have watched Burks and the Cavaliers at all, you would see that there is production coming from the two-guard.
He is connecting on 39.1 percent of his three-point attempts while averaging 12.1 points per game and grabbing what would be a career-best 5.3 rebounds per game, according to Basketball Reference.
That kind of production is a constant the Cavaliers could very much use. Sexton and Osman have both had their ups and downs this season, as most young players experience during their careers. The best way to combat that is a player such as Burks.
There is an argument to be made that trading Burks would suit both him and the Cavs well.
One reporter very close to the Cavaliers believes Cleveland will definitely be moving Burks and his expiring contract via trade soon.
According to Cleveland.com’s Chris Fedor, “it’s not a matter of if, but when.”
Sam Amico of Amico Hoops (another credible reporter) believes that Cleveland would likely get back a pick in the “late-first or second-round” variety in exchange for Burks. Acquiring future assets is something the Cavs need to focus on, as the on-court product right now is the worst in the league.
On the other hand, Burks would go to a contending team that could use his veteran leadership to help sure up a postseason team’s bench.
But for what the Cavaliers ultimately want to accomplish in this rebuild, keeping Burks around could be beneficial for several players within the organization. This would include the young player Cleveland brings in with their high lottery selection next season.
Burks is just starting to fit in and find a rhythm here in Cleveland, and paired alongside his running mate from Utah, Rodney Hood (who’s also on an expiring deal), that duo could be two vital pieces to help the Cavaliers out of the rebuild. Both can score, both have experience and both are overall exceptional basketball players.
The final decision ultimately will from the front office, but it would be wise for them to consider all factors before potentially dealing Burks elsewhere. Burks can not only help stabilize the culture on the team but can also be a familiar voice in the locker room that helps this team grow into the future.