Golden State Warriors: Alec Burks could draw a low-quality first-round pick
If a championship-contender is looking to add quality talent, all they have to do is ask about the Golden State Warriors’ shooting guard Alec Burks.
The Golden State Warriors will not be making the playoffs this season.
They’re 6-24 and have the worst record in the NBA. While that obviously wasn’t the original goal for the season, Stephen Curry‘s broken left hand derailed any potential plan to be in playoff contention when Klay Thompson returned.
With no chance to make the playoffs, the Warriors should look to deal any players that are on a one-year contract. Without much cap room this past offseason, the bulk of their veterans opted to sign one-year, low-value contracts.
Alec Burks, Willie Cauley-Stein and Glenn Robinson III are all making under $5 million with Burks and Robinson on the veteran’s minimum. With Burks and Robinson not returning without a new contract, the team should, at the very least, gauge the market for the two wings.
Burks is having a far better season than Robinson. He’s currently averaging a career-high 15.5 points per game. Tag along a career-high 4.6 rebounds per game, and it’s clear that he’s made the most of the opportunity he’s been given.
What may make Burks attractive to other teams is the way he’s been shooting the ball from deep. Burks is averaging a career-high 1.5 threes on 35% from downtown. He’s been commendable from deep which has been a huge issue throughout his career.
A team like Boston, who ranks in the bottom third in the league in bench scoring, could use a versatile 6-foot-6 forward that can defend and shoot. There’s no reason they should trade a pick that’ll inevitably be within the last few picks of the first round for the forward.
Burks isn’t going to transcend a team from a fringe contender to a championship contender, but he can take a team that’s a championship contender and elevate them enough to have an edge over their opponent.
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He’s worth a late first-round pick, and it’ll be interesting to see reports come out on his value.