Trey Burke selected No. 9 by Timberwolves in NBA draft, traded to Jazz
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:
Mo Williams
