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Utah Jazz: Why Alec Burks Is The Missing Link To Success

By DJoumbarey A. Moreau

Dec 14, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; Utah Jazz guard Alec Burks (10) dribbles past Washington Wizards forward Rasual Butler (8) during the first half at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 14, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; Utah Jazz guard Alec Burks (10) dribbles past Washington Wizards forward Rasual Butler (8) during the first half at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
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If the Utah Jazz had Alec Burks the entire season last year, they would’ve made the NBA playoffs.

That type of thought is what many Jazz fans believe, and this season they’ll be able to test if their theory would’ve been correct because Burks is finally completely healthy. After returning from a torn labrum in his left shoulder, Burks had to relearn how to shoot once again.

Instead of looking rusty and jet lagged for the entire preseason as many people thought he would after having such a difficult injury, Burks looks like he’s gotten back to NBA form and looks like he’s ready to have the breakout season he was destined in 2014-15. Burks didn’t come into the NBA preseason overweight or rusty, and instead he looks like he developed his body during his time off recovering from surgery.

This year Jazz fans should be excited about Burks return because Utah will finally have the most vital pieces on their team healthy at the same time. Burks gives the Jazz a lot of offense that they missed, but now fans won’t have to wait a second more.

ALSO ON HOOPSHABIT: Utah Jazz: 5 Reasons Why They’ll Make The Playoffs

On a basketball court, only five players can play at a time per team. However, out of those five, if you want to have a winning roster, you’re going to need to have to play three decent scorers at a time. Last year Utah only had two premier scorers in Derrick Favors and Gordon Hayward.

They were desperately looking for someone to take the reins after Burks’ injury, but it didn’t happen. It’s very difficult to replace someone who averaged 13.9 points, 4.2 rebounds and 3.0 assists in 33 minutes per game.

Utah looked to Trey Burke to pick up the scoring but thrusting him into the scoring role isn’t the right move for his game. Burke said he modeled his game after Chris Paul, so he’d rather get 12 assists per game than score 20 points.

Since Burke wants to stay in that role, Burks will be able to pick up right where he left off at. In addition, Utah also has Rudy Gobert on the court too, but his game is nowhere near past the developmental stage offensively.

Dec 19, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; Utah Jazz guard Alec Burks (10) shoots a layup as Orlando Magic guard Victor Oladipo (5) attempted to defend during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 19, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; Utah Jazz guard Alec Burks (10) shoots a layup as Orlando Magic guard Victor Oladipo (5) attempted to defend during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

The way that Alec Burks plays basketball is so beneficial to Utah in particular because he’s one of the few players on the roster who knows how to create his own shot. Utah’s half court offense runs a lot of plays because they don’t have many playmakers, but with Burks it allows them to run plays and also create audibles within the play for easier scoring opportunities.

In addition, since Burks can create his own shot, it gives Utah another person on the floor who can set up others for baskets on the floor. With a team that has ben struggling with point guard play, it’s a seamless kind of help for the offense.

Furthermore, because Burks plays the game so aggressively it also will help Utah get into the bonus sooner. Burks is the type of guard who relies on getting to the free throw line. His ability to get to the line often will help slow the game down, and let Utah earn easy points from the charity stripe.

Adding in his ability with Gordon Hayward, who also is another rim attacking perimeter player, gives Utah two players to score easy points.

It was evident against the Portland Trail Blazers during the preseason that Burks was needed the entire season. Burks scored 19 points on 6-of-13 shooting, he grabbed eight rebounds and dished out three assists. He was the spark plug offensively for Utah, and this season he’ll be one of the main pillars in the scoring column.

The Jazz could’ve used Alec Burks in the lineup last year. This season, the Jazz finally have someone who is reliable when it comes to scoring and is efficient while doing it. Can Burks be the sole difference maker to Utah’s success? Maybe not. Will he be one of the biggest reasons why Utah will make the playoffs? Probably.

Jazz fans should be excited that Burks is back because his torn labrum doesn’t look like a problem this season and he’s back to getting buckets again.

Next: Utah Jazz: 5 Reasons Why They'll Make The Playoffs

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