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New York Knicks: Handing out awards for the 2017-18 NBA season

By Maxwell Ogden

PHOENIX, AZ - JANUARY 26: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks before the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on January 26, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ - JANUARY 26: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks before the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on January 26, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – MARCH 28: Trey Burke #23 of the New York Knicks handles the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers on March 28, 2018 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – MARCH 28: Trey Burke #23 of the New York Knicks handles the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers on March 28, 2018 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Comeback Player of the Year: Trey Burke

Due to the fact that Trey Burke didn’t play a large enough number of games to win Sixth Man of the Year or Most Improved Player, we created an award for him. Burke was the Comeback Player of the Year as the individual whom few, if any, expected to shine.

With a comeback story that ranks amongst the best developments of the 2017-18 season, Burke simply deserves to be honored and respected.

Had Burke appeared in more than 36 games, he’d likely be the Most Improved Player for the Knicks and a viable candidate for the NBA. He worked his way up through the G League and proved that he was ready for the main stage when he transitioned from Westchester to The Mecca.

Over the course of his 36 appearances, Burke averaged 12.8 points, 4.7 assists, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.1 three-point field goals made in just 21.8 minutes per game.

Burke set new career highs in points, assists, rebounds, and steals per 36 minutes during the 2017-18 regular season. He did so while posting an efficient slash line of .503/.362/.649 and committing a mere 2.0 turnovers per 36.

From a top-10 draft pick to being unable to sign with any of the 30 NBA teams, Burke has made significant progress towards a true comeback.

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