Pacers' Draft Possibilities: Alec Burks

With the Draft Lottery complete, the Early Entry List set, and the NBA Draft fast approaching, it's time to examine more in depth some of the players who could be available for the Pacers. Over the next few weeks I'll be trying to put together as many profiles as possible. Instead of identifying players as specific targets for either Pacers' pick, I'm just going to cover a pool of players I think are possibilities. You'll find some players who the Pacers would likely have to trade up or down for. I've also expressed my opinion that the Pacers need to be focused on talent as much as fit so players at all five positions will be included.

These profiles are not intended to advocate for one player over another, just examine their strengths and weaknesses, and discuss in some detail what they have to offer. For each profile I provided Ten Important Statistics to guide the discussion. Today we'll be looking at:

Alec Burks - SG - 6'6" 193 lbs. - University of Colorado

Current DraftExpress Projection: Round 1, Pick #15

Strengths:

• Does an excellent job of creating his own shot, terrific slasher, very effective in isolation or on the pick-and-roll
• Usually looks to score, but has the tools to create shots for his teammates
• Gets to the foul line at a high rate
• Solid rebounder for his size

Weaknesses:

• Really struggles with his jumpshot at this point, has inconsistent form, shows a little more confidence than is warranted in his shooting ability, doesn't appear to have NBA three-point range
• Needs some work on defensive fundamentals, lack of strength makes it difficult for him to fight through screens or guard bigger, stronger players
• Will likely need to adjust to a smaller usage role at the next level

Impressions:

As we learned with (Evan) Turner, whichever team drafts Burks will need to put him in a role that suits his strengths, alongside teammates that complement him. The learning curve Burks has shown over the past two years is intriguing, though. There's a pretty good chance he's nowhere near his full potential at the moment, especially given his late growth spurt and the fact that he's one of the youngest members of his draft class, not turning 20 until July.

In a draft that looks increasingly shallow at the wing position, Burks stands out with his shot-creating skills and scoring instincts. If he can convince a team that his long-range shooting won't be too much of an issue in the NBA, he'll be a popular name during the pre-draft process.

- Jonathan Givony, DraftExpress.com

Comparables:

• James Anderson - 910
• Dominique Jones - 902
• Brandon Roy - 900
• See the rest of Alec Burks' comparables at Hickory High

How he can help the Pacers:

Burks could be the elite perimeter shot-creator and penetrator the Pacers' have been lacking. No one currently on the roster has as much ability to get themselves into the lane off the dribble, finding a good scoring opportunity at the rim or from the free throw line. Having a player like Burks would add some versatility to the Pacers' offense and hopefully create more space on the floor for everyone else to operate comfortably. Paul George seems to have established himself as the starting shooting guard with his strong play against the Bulls. That and his limited shooting ability would like keep Burks in a bench role to start his career. If A.J. Price returns, they would could work as a very effective tandem -  Burks as the primary ball handler and creator, Price spotting up for open jumpers. Although he has some clear limitations, Burks skill set seems to fill a Pacers' need as well as any player who might be available at #15. 

Video:

More Information:

• DraftExpress Profile
• ESPN Draft Profile
• NBADraft.net Profile