Philadelphia 76ers Sign Veteran Point Guard Trey Burke

By Jordan Long

The Philadelphia 76ers are looking to improve on their 51-31 record.  They made it all the way to the 2nd-round before falling to the Toronto Raptors in 7 games.   Philadelphia added veteran point guard Trey Burke who will come off the bench.  The terms of the deal weren’t announced.

                Burke will be in his 8^th NBA season.  The 76ers are his 5^th  team.  He played for the Utah Jazz, Dallas Mavericks, Washington Wizards, and New York Knicks.   The 76ers hope he is the key to making a deeper run in the NBA postseason.

                Burke has been a starter in this league, but it was in his first 2 years with the Jazz.  The past 5 seasons, he has been mostly used as a reserve point guard.  Burke is a decent backup point guard.  He can shoot the ball and make free throws on offense.  Burke averages 10.9 points and 3.6 assists in his career.  What helps is his shooting.  Burke can make a bucket everywhere on the court.  His field goal percentage is an impressive 40.8%.  From beyond the arc, his 3-point percentage is 34%.

On defense Burke doesn’t allow easy baskets when opponents have the basketball.   He grabs rebounds to start fast break opportunities.  Burke averages 1.7 defensive rebounds per game.

                The 76ers knew they needed more production off the bench.  Burke was added to give the bench a spark when the starters go out.  According to ESPN.com, 76ers’ General Manager Elton Brand said, “Trey’s experience as a ball handler matched with his scoring ability makes him a good fit for our roster.”

                Burke will play behind Ben Simmons.  He should see time on the court when Simmons needs a rest.  When he is in the game, the 76ers flow on offense shouldn’t change.  He will call out the play, run it, and find an open teammate for a basket which will increase the score for the 76ers.  Burke could be the missing piece for Philadelphia.  It may not be the difference in them winning an NBA championship.  The Bucks are still a better team with their roster and should be the favorites to win the Eastern Conference but this signing  slightly closes the gap.