Alec Burks Has Nothing But Love For Jazz Organization
Jul 13, 2019, 4:48 PM
(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – The Golden State Warriors introduced former Jazzman Alec Burks as the newest member of the franchise. When talking to the media, Burks expressed his love and appreciation to the Utah Jazz organization.
Burks originally signed as a free agent with the Oklahoma City Thunder early in free agency, but after the Paul George trade to the Los Angeles Clippers, the Thunder allowed Burks to pursue other teams when he chose the five time defending Western Conference champions.
It’s been a long road for since being drafted in 2011 by the Utah Jazz as the 12th overall pick. He was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers on November 29, 2018 in exchange for Kyle Korver. On February 7, 2019, Burks was dealt once again to the Sacramento Kings in a three-team-trade.
Alec Burks expresses gratitude for his time with Utah pic.twitter.com/o08ziAnfo3
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) July 12, 2019
After playing 382 games in 8 seasons with the Jazz, Burks played just 34 games in Cleveland and 13 in Sacramento.
His best season was in 2013-14 when he averaged 14 points per game, but the decline came when he suffered an injury a couple of years ago.
“I hurt my ankle and that set me back for a couple of years,” Burks said. “The league is evolving every season, so if you are not evolving with it, it will leave you in the dust.”
Looking back on his career and all of the change that has happened in the last year, playing for 4 teams in two seasons, Burks has nothing but respect for Utah and the organization.
“Utah gave me all of the chances in the world,” Burks stated. “They gave me a great opportunity when they drafted me. I have nothing but love for everybody over there.”
Burks could see a lot of playing time with the Warriors early next season with the team losing Klay Thompson for most of the 2019-20 season when he tore his ACL in the NBA Finals. The Warriors lost Kevin Durant in free agency but acquired D’Angelo Russell from the Brooklyn Nets in a sign-and-trade.
It will also be the first season that the Warriors will be out of Oakland and will play in their new arena in San Francisco.
