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New York Knicks: The problem with calling up Trey Burke from G League

By Ed Easton Jr.

WESTCHESTER, NY - NOVEMBER 19: Trey Burke #23 of the Westchester Knicks drives to the basket against the Lakeland Magic during an NBA G-League game on November 19, 2017 at Westchester County Center in Westchester, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Michael J. Le Brecht II/NBAE via Getty Images)
WESTCHESTER, NY - NOVEMBER 19: Trey Burke #23 of the Westchester Knicks drives to the basket against the Lakeland Magic during an NBA G-League game on November 19, 2017 at Westchester County Center in Westchester, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Michael J. Le Brecht II/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The New York Knicks are struggling offensively from the point guard position, leading to speculation that Trey Burke could get a call to the main roster.

The New York Knicks have been trying random combinations in their backcourt to make up for the absence of Tim Hardaway Jr. The team’s second-leading scorer continues to be out recovering from injury, creating a large void in points from the guard position.

Trey Burke is currently a member of the Knicks’ G League squad in Westchester and is putting up big numbers offensively. The 25-year-old is averaging 27.3 points per game for the Knicks’ minor league affiliate, fueling speculation that he may be a candidate for a call-up to the team’s main roster. The former Michigan Wolverine played alongside Hardaway Jr. during his college career, further influencing the rumor mill.

Burke played in the NBA last season for the Washington Wizards, originally serving as the understudy to All-Star John Wall at the point. Head coach Scott Brooks played Burke a career-low 12.3 minutes per game as the two couldn’t seem to get on the same page, leading to his backup role being given to former Knicks guard Brandon Jennings.

Being a career 39 percent shooter from the field and a disappointing 33.7 percent from 3-point range have made him a liability if faced with zone defenses. In his G League stint so far this season, Burke is shooting nearly 50 percent from the field while showing incredible maturity and leadership on the floor.

The excitement of possibly calling up Burke isn’t an easy process considering the Knicks have until Jan. 7 to decide on Jarrett Jack remaining on the team and earning a guaranteed contract. The Knicks would need to trade a current player on the roster to free up space and can’t expect to be first in line to sign Burke, who has the ability to sign with any NBA team. The upcoming G League showcase in Toronto on Jan. 10 could see him being heavily scouted by the other 29 clubs.

The decision to possibly deal a player for Burke will rest heavily on general manager Scott Perry and his full assessment of the team’s needs. The Knicks are stocked at the center position and could look into trading one of the many big men to make room for Burke. Point guard Ramon Sessions could be a waiver candidate due to his minimal contract and lack of relevant playing time in the current system.

Burke has been very open regarding his journey to the G League after being a top 10 pick in the 2013 NBA Draft. He discussed that along with dreams of playing in New York in a blog featured on the G League website.

"I went that route, and everyone then says, ‘why did you come to the G League?’ I think it was the first time where I was really in charge of my career. I was willing to go down and play my way into a position that I was looking to get into. I believe with the young talent here and the fans that just love basketball — I saw it as a place where I could have a lot of fun playing.There was a point in time where I just was not having fun with basketball. I was waking up and looking at it as a job. I kind of slowed down everything and looked myself in the mirror and asked myself who I wanted to be. I knew New York City would be a great place to continue my career. I was able to focus on my life outside of basketball as well. I got married, and comfortable here."

Next: 2017-18 Week 12 NBA Power Rankings

The Knicks are in a tough spot all around following three straight losses and are in need of a spark to salvage the season. Burke may be the temporary cure for the short-term, but shouldn’t be expected to be a franchise savior.

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