Trey Burke

Just watched his interview with Bill Simmons and Jalen Rose, and it further solidified him as maybe my favorite player in the draft. Say what you want about his lack of great size or vertical jump, but one thing they did not measure at the combine was all of the players’ heart and determination. Burke is way ahead of the pack in those categories. I think people get way too caught up in athletic statistics that they overlook true talent. Just because MCW is taller and can jump 4.5 inches higher than Burke doesn’t make him a better prospect or player. Trey Burke was the best player in the country this year. He was a 20 year old that led the youngest team in the entire field of 68 to the national championship game with his poise, leadership, and maturity beyond his years.

Looking at where he should go in the draft, I honestly think the Magic would be making a big mistake if they passed on him. They have a lot of really good young pieces in their frontcourt (Vucevic, Harkless, Harris, Nicholson). What they need is a young point guard who can mature along with these guys and lead them on the court. I don’t see any better guy to do that than Burke.

There aren’t many flaws in his game. His biggest knocks are obviously his size and questionable athleticism. Chris Paul had the same question marks coming out of college, and that’s why DWill was picked ahead of him. DWill has had a great career, but he’s no Chris Paul. Burke is only 6’1 (an inch taller than Paul by the way) but he has a 6’5.5 wingspan. He may only have average athleticism, but he has great quickness. He can score in a variety of ways, has range past the NBA 3, is relentless attacking the rim, and has great vision. He is a willing passer and works out of the pick and roll really well. Turns the ball over at a low rate: 3.1 assist-to-turnover ratio, including 4.1 in transition, both of which are by far the best of all PGs in the draft.

I consider his size only a minor negative. When you look at his sheer talent as a basketball player, he’s a top 3 pick in this draft. Remember he’s only 20. He’s going to get stronger with time and his already very advanced skill set is only going to get better. I think this guy really can be one of the elite PGs in the NBA. I think he can be an All-Star caliber player. PG is the deepest position in the league, so All-Star appearances are going to be hard to get for him, but he’s up for the challenge, and I think he can sneak in there at least once or twice. Knock him for his size, but he’s a great ball player. For all of those doubting him, I’m going to turn to you in a few years and say I told you so.