In defense of Trey
New Knick’s ‘D’ coming around
TREY Burke can score. That much has never been in doubt.
Instead, what’s held the former No. 9 overall pick back in his young career — which has included stops with three NBA teams and an extended G-League stint in less than five seasons — is his commitment on the defensive end. It’s why he fell out of favor with Jazz coach Quin Snyder and was traded after thee years in Utah. It’s why he struggled to get minutes in D.C. last season and later lost his spot in the rotation to Brandon Jennings.
But now, in this new opportunity with the Knicks, Burke is trying to quash that reputation. And during his first month with the Knicks, he is already succeeding.
“What I’ve been surprised with is (his) defensive effort,” Jeff Hornacek said Sunday after practice, as the Knicks prepared to host the Warriors at the Garden tonight. “We all know he can score the ball, but the biggest thing is he’s going to have to play defense. He’s a smaller guy, so he’s going to have to be that one that’s a little more active, has to fight harder over screens. …And I think he’s done a great job.”
Burke has been a sparkplug for Knicks ever since he was called up from the G League in January. In 15 games, he’s averaging 9.9 points in 15 minutes while shooting nearly 54% from the field.
Burke played more than 25 minutes in each of the past two games — a victory over Orlando on Thursday and loss to the Celtics on Saturday night — as Hornacek has committed fully to playing his younger players and facilitating development. Burke scored 26 points and dished out six assists against the Magic and followed that up with 26 points and eight assists against Boston. Hornacek even compared Burke to Kyrie Irving after the Celtics game, pointing to the former Michigan star’s versatility on offense.
Still, Burke knows that in order to reestablish himself in the league and reinvigorate his career, he must maintain high intensity on defense. He said proving his defensive capability is “very important” over the Knicks’ final 21 games.
“I know that’s what the coaches are looking at right now. And I think for me it’s more of a mentality,” Burke said. “Just staying locked in, constantly being engaged the whole possession.”
In his 26 minutes Saturday night, Burke matched up with Irving on several defensive possessions. He said after the game he “wanted to take that matchup head on.”
There were mixed results. Irving scored 18 of his 31 points in the second half. On one play, Burke played stifling defense on Irving, but the Celtics point guard buried a very difficult mid-range fadeaway. On another, Burke was slow getting around a screen and Irving sank a pull-up three-pointer — one of his six in the game.
“I think I’ve done a better job of picking up and pressuring my guys,” Burke said, “and I think the defense follows behind that.”
Another stiff challenge awaits tonight in Warriors guard Stephen Curry.
“The last two games, I’ve gotten consistent minutes, and I think I was just ready to come out and play,” Burke said. “I’ve been playing confident, as well. A lot of guys get the opportunity and they’re timid. For me, I wanted to be aggressive and be myself.”
KNICKS vs. WARRIORS 7:30 on MSG