The Jazz feared Alec Burks would miss the rest of the season, and those concerns were founded.
The Utah guard missed games after being flagrantly fouled by Arron Afflalo, but he returned – even though it was known he’d need shoulder surgery at some point.
That point is tomorrow.
Jody Genessy of the Deseret News:
Jazz shooting guard Alec Burks will have season-ending surgery on his left shoulder.
— Jody Genessy (@DJJazzyJody) December 30, 2014
Jazz PR statement on Alec Burks, who will undergo season-ending surgery on his left shoulder Wednesday: pic.twitter.com/aFKVnxhvwF
— Jody Genessy (@DJJazzyJody) December 30, 2014
As was reported, Alec Burks was going to have surgery now or in the offseason on his damaged left shoulder. It's bothered him since college.
— Jody Genessy (@DJJazzyJody) December 30, 2014
I know Jazz fans are mad at Arron Afflalo for that hard foul, but I've been told that wasn't what re-aggravated Alec Burks' shoulder injury.
— Jody Genessy (@DJJazzyJody) December 30, 2014
Good thing Burks signed a contract extension before the season. This would have been a tough way to enter free agency.
The Jazz too can take solace in their situation when this happened. They’re 10-21, well outside the playoff picture in the Western Conference. They can use this as an opportunity to develop their young(er) guards, first-round picks Dante Exum and Rodney Hood.
As an added bonus, Utah is less equipped to win now, meaning better draft position. If all goes well, Burks will return at full strength next season, and the Jazz will have added another quality young talent to the roster.