Alec Burks, a 13-year veteran in the NBA, has managed to redeem himself after a challenging stint with the New York Knicks last season. The six-foot-six shooting guard struggled to find his shot after being traded to New York, but he showed glimpses of his old self during the playoffs against the Indiana Pacers. His performance in the postseason provided a glimmer of hope for Burks as he now embarks on a new chapter with the Miami Heat for what will be his 14th season in the league.
Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN broke the news that Burks will be joining the Heat on a one-year minimum salary deal. The move comes after a successful career that saw Burks establish himself as a reliable scorer, often coming off the bench to provide an offensive spark. Known for his scoring prowess, Burks has averaged double figures in points eight times in his career, showcasing his versatility as a scorer.
Drafted 12th overall by the Utah Jazz in the 2011 NBA Draft, Burks has had an impressive career marked by his ability to knock down three-pointers with efficiency. His shooting prowess from beyond the arc has been a key part of his game, with Burks shooting over 40% from three-point range in three consecutive seasons from 2020-21 to 2022-23.
Despite a shaky start with the Knicks last season, where his shooting percentages took a hit, Burks managed to regain his form during the playoffs. In the final five playoff games against the Pacers, Burks averaged double-digit scoring while shooting an efficient 51.0% from the field and 42.9% from three-point range. This resurgence caught the eye of the Miami Heat, who were looking to bolster their depth for the upcoming season.
With 742 career regular-season games under his belt, Burks brings a wealth of experience to the Heat roster. His career averages of 10.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game reflect his all-around contributions on the court. With shooting splits of .415/.383/.806, Burks will provide the Heat with a reliable scoring option from the perimeter.
The Heat, who have limited financial resources in free agency, were able to secure Burks and re-sign center Thomas Bryant in hopes of adding depth to their roster. Bryant, a 27-year-old center, averaged 5.7 points and 3.7 rebounds in 38 games for Miami last season. The moves signal the Heat’s commitment to building a competitive team for the upcoming season, with Burks set to play a key role in their pursuit of success.
