The Sixers were in desperate need of shot creating and shot making ahead of the NBA trade deadline.
On x, they helped themselves in those departments by landing veteran wing Alec Burks from the Golden State Warriors, [source]. The team will send … to the Warriors.
The 28-year-old Burks is having a renaissance season in Golden State. Signed to a one-year, veteran minimum deal to provide scoring depth, Burks has instead taken on a huge role as the Warriors have been ravaged by injuries.
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In his 10th year, the Colorado product is in the midst of his finest NBA season. He’s averaging 16.1 points, 4.7 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game.
He’s a versatile, three-level scorer. He can get to the basket, is strong in the midrange and has added a more consistent three-ball to his repertoire. He’s hitting 37.5 percent from deep and has already hit a career-high 84 treys this season. He’s also good at getting to the line, averaging 4.7 free throw attempts a game — and he generally cashes in (89.7 percent).
Burks doesn’t come without his flaws. He’s been beset by injuries throughout his career and was described as a “mediocre defender” by an NBA scout who spoke with NBC Sports Philadelphia ahead of the trade deadline.
But for the Sixers, Burks is worth the price. They’re tied for fifth in the NBA in defensive rating but 20th in terms of offense. They’re also 21st in three-point percentage and 24th in makes per game. Burks comes in right away and likely becomes the team’s best offensive player off the bench.
NBA
This isn’t the blockbuster deal some fans may have wanted, but the Sixers needed a player that could put the ball in the basket. GM Elton Brand went out and got that player in Burks.
Tune in to the NBA Trade Deadline Show on the NBC Sports MyTeams app Thursday at 2:30 for analysis of all the important moves around the NBA.