Knicks Rumor: Pros and cons of calling up Trey Burke from NBA G League

Con: Tunnel Vision

When Trey Burke became a college basketball superstar, his scoring ability was the driving force behind his success. Now that Burke is looking to resurrect his career with the Westchester Knicks, his scoring ability is what he’s trusting most.

There’s nothing wrong with being a skilled scorer, but Burke has a tendency to attempt to shoot his ways out of slumps—something an NBA-level team would rarely ask him to do.

Burke’s ability to score could be of great aid, but his ability to do so would be utilized situationally. He’s not going to be called up in an attempt to find a new No. 1 or No. 2 scoring option, but instead to alleviate pressure from the featured players.

Thus, while Burke’s ability to score would be a welcome addition to the current rotation, adding a point guard version of Michael Beasley would be redundant.

For all of the criticism he’s received, Jarrett Jack plays the way that Burke would need to. The primary focus of the point guard in this system must be to set the table for others, and score when the team needs it most.

If Burke can learn how to be a situational scorer instead of a player who shoots himself into a rhythm, however, he can be the perfect offensive contributor.