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New York Knicks: Deep Draft Class Should Raise Trade Scenarios

By El-Nazr McDowell

Dec 17, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Hoosiers forward OG Anunoby (3) shoots the ball while Butler Bulldogs forward Andrew Chrabascz (45) defends in the first half of the game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 17, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Hoosiers forward OG Anunoby (3) shoots the ball while Butler Bulldogs forward Andrew Chrabascz (45) defends in the first half of the game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 3, 2017; Morgantown, WV, USA; Iowa State Cyclones guard Deonte Burton (30) prepares to shoot during the second half against the West Virginia Mountaineers at WVU Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 3, 2017; Morgantown, WV, USA; Iowa State Cyclones guard Deonte Burton (30) prepares to shoot during the second half against the West Virginia Mountaineers at WVU Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports /

Deonte Burton

Positon: Small Forward
Age: 23 (1/31/1994)
Height: 6’4.75″
Weight: 266 pounds
Wingspan: 6’11.5″
Playing Style Comparison: Jae Crowder/Julius Randle
Worth a trade: Maybe

The Iowa State senior has a refined package of skill and athleticism for his wide frame. Many have given Deonte Burton an earnest reputation of being compared to Celtics forward Jae Crowder. He has shown his worth, mostly from the offensive end.

And he adds an attributive positive for making chase down blocks look easy. Burton is among the most underrated prospects in this draft given the fact that he’s one of the more refined prospects coming out the draft.

PROS

  • Deonte Burton offensively plays with such confidence and poise. He was never afraid of big moments when asked to perform at a higher level than anyone else on the court.  Burton was one the contributors to an overachieving Iowa State team that won the Big 12 championship, which ultimately propelled them to tournament play.
  • Deonte Burton could be overwhelming for the average guard in the NBA. He’s similar in built to Jae Crowder, but even Crowder doesn’t boast a weight of 250 pounds. Another player that people liken Burton to is Julius Randle. The common trait these two have is the measured 250 weight and frame. Imagine a skilled and athletic miniature version of Julius Randle from the wing!
  • Burton has a proven perimeter shot. He has been even more effective as a streaky shooter, scoring contested threes in spurts as seen in his infamous Kansas game; producing an efficient 7-9 from three point range.
  • Burton’s lengthy wingspan has led to some exciting chase-down blocks throughout his tenure in Iowa State. A physical tool that can transition into other serviceable qualities as a defender.

Cons

  • Burton’s overall offensive game is “perimeter-centric”. His source of confidence has habitually been found only settling for jumpshots instead of slasher skillset that is more adaptable for his physically imposing frame. Burton is an unproven slasher who will soon have to develop this attribution to repertoire to become more dynamic as a player transitioning to the NBA.
  • He doesn’t show consistent intensity on either side of the ball. Although, this seems to have a lot to do with his offensive game coming easy to him, and a credit to his overall confidence and poise. However, this will soon change with the drastic increase in competition the NBA will soon provide.
  • Deonte is a “project at best” defender that shouldn’t be drafted for his defensive prowess. Although he does posses moldable qualities on the defensive end, overall, Burton still projects to be an immediate offensive producer. As it stands, Burton only has defensive aesthetics and chase-down blocks to show for, instead of real substance.

Worth a Trade?

Deonte Burton looks like a complete offensive basketball player in training, but he doesn’t complete enough check list to vindicate an assurance, his worth to for trade for him. The best option is to try to acquire Burton in the second round.

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