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New York Knicks: Players who need more playing time

By Maxwell Ogden

NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 10: Frank Ntilikina #11 of the New York Knicks calls out the play in the second half against the Chicago Bulls at Madison Square Garden on January 10, 2018 in New York City.The Chicago Bulls defeated the New York Knicks 122-119 in double overtime. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 10: Frank Ntilikina #11 of the New York Knicks calls out the play in the second half against the Chicago Bulls at Madison Square Garden on January 10, 2018 in New York City.The Chicago Bulls defeated the New York Knicks 122-119 in double overtime. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – FEBRUARY 4: Trey Burke #23 of the New York Knicks shoots the ball during the game against the Atlanta Hawks on February 4, 2018 in New York City, New York. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – FEBRUARY 4: Trey Burke #23 of the New York Knicks shoots the ball during the game against the Atlanta Hawks on February 4, 2018 in New York City, New York. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Trey Burke

Position: Point Guard
Age: 25 (11/12/1992)
Slash Line: .549/.438/.643
Season Averages: 14.2 MPG, 8.5 PPG, 3.1 APG, 1.3 RPG, 0.6 3PM

No player was impacted more by what transpired at the 2018 NBA trade deadline than Trey Burke. By acquiring Emmanuel Mudiay from the Denver Nuggets, the New York Knicks found a player who could both challenge and complement Frank Ntilikina.

While that may lead to the belief that Burke has become expendable, he should be afforded the opportunity to prove his long-term value to the Knicks.

Burke has received limited run in 2017-18, but he’s impressed during his time on the court. In his 11 appearances for the main roster Knicks, he’s averaging 21.7 points, 7.8 assists, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.6 three-point field goals made per 36 minutes.

Considering he’s also shooting upwards of 50 percent from the field and 40 percent from beyond the arc, it’s fair to question why his playing time has been inconsistent.

During the final two months of the season, Burke should have a chance to run the second unit. He has the potential to be an excellent third guard if Mudiay and Ntilikina share the backcourt, but he’ll only prove so—or otherwise—if he plays.

Burke’s playing time has been unpredictable since he was called up from the G League. With the postseason out of the question, his minutes should increase—if not double.

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