New York Knicks: Why Trae Young When They Already Have Trey Burke?

The New York Knicks are supposedly hoping Trae Young falls to them in the 2018 NBA Draft this summer. While it’s a possibility, the Knicks would be wise to pass on the high-volume scorer from Oklahoma. While the Knicks could use someone to put the ball in the hoop, they don’t need him, thanks to Trey Burke.

Yes, Young was one of the most prolific scorers in college basketball, however, comparing what Burke has done in the NBA and G-League, what’s the difference?

How many 27-point scorers in college basketball have entered the NBA and done the same? Not saying it can’t be done, but Young will have one heck of an uphill battle. For one, the Knicks already have scorers with Kristaps Porzingis and Tim Hardaway Jr. There will be no more of Young attempting 19 shots per game like he did while at Oklahoma. Not just a scorer, Young also led the NCAA in assists with 8.7 per game. It’s also worth noting, he was the Sooners’ everything. But still, what about Burke?

Burke excelled at Michigan, and while not a great scorer like Young, he sure had his moments. But this is where the comparisons start to look similar. Take what Burke did in the G-League and compare that to what Young did in college. I know what you’re thinking — that’s the G-League and that’s college, and the level of competition is not the same. Sorry to tell you, but in a way it is. The majority of the players in the G-League are former college players who didn’t make it in the NBA. So, a vast majority of players that Young burned while at Oklahoma will end up with the Westchester Knicks, South Bay Lakers, or some other team in the league.

Trae Young fans will look at his scoring and say that’s what the Knicks need but not look at Burke and say the same. Last season, Burke has averaged 12.8 points per game and 4.7 assists while shooting 50 percent from the floor (including 36 percent from three-point range). Not All-Star numbers, but when you’re playing on a team with two other point guards vying for time, there’s not much you can do.

Burke averages 10.7 shots per game in 21.8 minutes per. The difference between the two will be minutes. Young will garner more minutes due to his draft stock while Burke could be forced to play behind players he’s superior to until David Fizdale gets a steady rotation.

According to Basketball-Reference, if Burke were to play an average of 36 minutes per game, he would average 21.1 points and 7.8 assists while shooting 50 percent from the floor. I know, anyone could have good numbers if they played 36 minutes per, but Burke could really explode with an increased role with the Knicks.

Young is a special talent, but the New York Knicks already have that with Burke. The issue was, Hornacek failed to grasp that.

Mark Wilson

Mark has been covering Sports and Entertainment for the past six years. His work has been featured on Bleacher Report, ESPN, Fox Sports, Teen Vogue, and many other websites.