Will Burke get the chance to match hype as a rookie?

Estimated read time: 4-5 minutes

This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.

SALT LAKE CITY — Last Thursday turned into Christmas Day for the Jazz, whose own management was surprised at being able to swing a draft-day trade that landed a potential future all-star point guard.

Expectations for John Stockton were nowhere near what face Trey Burke, whom the Jazz acquired from Minnesota in exchange for two draft picks. With the probable exception of Deron Williams, Burke is the team’s most hyped draft pick in the last 25 years.

So now what?

Hopefully, in the view of the team and its fans, we’re talking about 30 minutes a game this season. The last thing most want to see is another Williams situation, which had the highly-touted rookie often sitting behind two marginal point guards.

“We’ve got to tone down expectations, because we’re dealing with a couple of rookies coming in, and you know how that goes,” said Jazz Vice President Kevin O’Connor, also referencing big man Rudy Gobert.

Sorry, too late. There’s a reason the Jazz coveted Burke and couldn’t believe their good fortune when the Timberwolves agreed to the deal.

Jazz fans and media are stoked darned near beyond belief. For many, they would be disappointed if Burke didn’t come close to matching what Damian Lillard had last year for Portland.

Along those lines, even if it results in fewer losses, the Jazz need to go young in order to provide Burke ample opportunities. Too many seasoned veterans would get in the way of Burke’s development.

With that in mind, a strong segment wants the Jazz to simply wave goodbye to free agents Paul Millsap, Al Jefferson and Mo Williams. Two other free agents, Randy Foye and DeMarre Carroll, are not considered threats to the young players’ time on the court and should be brought back.

With regards to Burke, the Jazz face a complex decision with Mo Williams. His return in particular could stunt Burke’s development.

The flip side is, the former Michigan star has done nothing at the professional level to deserve automatic playing time. There’s danger in doling out something that isn’t earned.

Within two days of the Burke acquisition, word came out that Mo Williams wanted to start as a condition to re-sign with the Jazz. His agent later denied the claim, but the point is, Mo Williams still views himself as a frontline player.

Not that there’s anything wrong with that.

“You want competition,” said Jazz television analyst Matt Harpring. “You don’t want to hand a guy the job.”

Harpring specifically knows of what he speaks. He played for the Jazz during the 2005-06 season, when Deron Williams was a rookie.

Like Burke, Deron Williams came into the NBA after leading his college team to the national championship game. As the No. 3 pick, taken ahead of Chris Paul, Deron Williams entered the league with high expectations, as does Burke, who was the ninth selection.

#poll

Deron Williams had an up-and-down rookie season to say the least, averaging career lows of 10.8 points and 4.5 assists a game. He started only 47 games that season but subsequently started every game he played in over the next five seasons.

Harpring thinks it might be in Burke’s best interests to follow suit.

“As rookies, there’s still such a learning curve they have to go through,” Harpring said. “I wouldn’t be surprised if he doesn’t start.”

As a savvy veteran, Mo Williams actually might be able to help Burke make an easier transition. It also could backfire if he isn’t interested in being a mentor to the youngster.

Mo Williams’ character, Harpring pointed out, will allow it to work.

“You’ve got to have someone who is talking to [Burke] in his ear,” Harpring said. “It can’t always be the coach.”

With Ty Corbin as the coach, the Jazz also run the risk of forgetting about Burke in late-game situations. Feeling pressure to win as much as possible, Corbin often has gone with more experienced veterans at the expense of developing younger players.

Countless Jazz fans grew frustrated at Corbin’s reluctance to play Derrick Favors and Enes Kanter enough minutes last season. The frustration was amplified when the Jazz failed to make the playoffs.

But whether it’s Mo Williams or not, the Jazz will sign a veteran point guard. It boils down to Burke earning his playing time and Corbin allowing the rookie to play through mistakes.