Likely the best pure 2-guard in the draft, Alec Burks should hear his name called in the lottery on Thursday night. Burks possesses one of the most diverse offensive games of any player in the draft- he can drive left or right equally well, work off pick-and-rolls, run the floor in transition, and break his man down on isolation plays. At 6’6” with a 6’10” wingspan and great athleticism, Burks has the physical tools to be a starting two-guard in the league. If Burks had a consistent outside shot (29% from beyond the arc last season), he would be much higher on most teams’ boards; that being said, he seems a lock to go in the latter half of the lottery.
At Colorado, Burks led the Buffs in points and assists and was second in rebounds. Despite being singled out defensively by opposing teams each night, he still averaged 20 points per game and helped Colorado to 24 wins and its best season in recent memory. His best game came in February, when he torched Texas for 33 points, 15 boards and 4 assists in an upset of the fifth-ranked Longhorns.
Strengths: Highly effective and creative player on offense. Gets to the rim and finishes with consistency. An active defender who plays passing lanes well. Draws fouls as well as any perimeter player in the draft and shoots 82% from the line. Ideal size and athleticism for a two-guard. Very good ball-handler, goes left or right with equal effectiveness. Can create his own shot or work off the ball to score. Rarely turns the ball over. Has shown improved shot mechanics in his pre-draft workouts. Rebounded very well (6.5 rpg) in college.
Weaknesses: Very streaky shooter, Burks took far too many off-balanced shots in college. At 6’6”, 195lbs, he needs to add significant weight to his lanky frame. His athleticism is very good, but not eye-popping and could diminish after he adds 10-20lbs. Doesn’t have a particularly explosive first step.
In a draft full of guys with huge question marks, Burks is a breath of fresh air. He has already been the offensive leader on a good team and his game improved consistently in his two years in the Big 12. With Burks it’s almost too simple- if he can add a consistent perimeter shot, he can be a very good guard in this league. Best case scenario, he could be Brandon Roy. Worst case- he’s Willie Green. Expect him to be taken between the Bucks at #10 and the Rockets at #14.