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ORLANDO — If you listen closely to the Jazz point guard of the present and future you'll heard Trey Burke use the words "leadership," "leader" or "lead" at least once in just about every sentence he speaks. That's not brash or cocky, that's what Jazz management is expecting of him; Trey's just following their script... and his own.
"It's definitely a surreal opportunity," Burke said. "It's been a whirlwind, but at the same time I've been having a good time with it. Definitely the opportunity of a lifetime to play with the Jazz."
Early into his NBA preschool, the Orlando Summer League, it has been a baptism by fire. Trey's leading the team in minutes, but having trouble knocking down shots he normally hits in his sleep.
"It's just confidence," he told me here in Orlando. "It's a big step for me coming in, trying to learn the offense in a matter of four days. Trying to learn teammates tendencies. It's definitely tough. These are grown men I'm playing with, it's no longer college. I'm glad they're giving me the opportunity to come right in and lead. I think it's a natural step. I've been a leader all my life, now I'm just trying to work hard to earn everybody's respect."
The Jazz team leader Gordon Hayward put his leadership skills out there this week. Coming to Orlando to spend some time hanging out with buddies Alec Burks and Jeremy Evans, while also observing and talking to Burke. Hayward knows all about shooting struggles early in a career.
"Obviously Trey's not shooting like we know he can," Hayward said. "I'm sure some of that's nerves, some of that's adrenaline, some of it's that there's so much energy with everybody here trying to impress someone. It's hard to get in a flow in a Summer League setting. There's probably fouls that aren't being call. But, Trey will be fine."
When I asked Gordon about how unusual it is that this 20-year-old rookie's been asked to lead the team already he quickly corrected me.
"Well, he's no the only leader," Hayward said. "We've got a few other guys (like me) who will lead this team."
Burke says Hayward told him to trust his first burst instinct.
"I was kinda hesitant out there," Burke said. "He said when I would just go with my first thought, my first instinct I would look much more fluid. He said he's seen me play, he knows what I can do. Told me just go play with confidence."
Jazz assistant Sydney Lowe is not in the least bit worried.
"Trey Burke is extremely talented," Lowe said. "Jazz fans don't need to worry about these small bumps in the road, he's going to be just fine. He's a great player."
General Manager Dennis Lindsey was typically succinct, "we chose him because we believe in Trey. He'll be a great point guard in time."
While Burke's been greeted by a serious dose of NBA reality here in the Orlando Summer League his first impression of Utah is dreamy. In town briefly, the day after the draft he said, "It's a beautiful city. I heard it's a family-oriented city. Not too many distractions, that's good for me."
What makes Trey tick?
"My family is a very religious family. We have a really strong faith in God. I was raised by a really strong family."
Burke knows how important faith is to the people of Utah, "I'm looking forward to being welcomed into that culture."
Trey can't wait to tap into the good vibes in Energy Solutions Arena too, "I hear the fans are great through losses and wins."
Favorite food? "I'm a pasta guy."
TV shows? "I"m all about ESPN."
Hobbies? "I like to read, I like bowling as well."
Burke says he plans on heading out to "Jazz-West" after the Orlando Summer League. That would be working on core-strength at P3, Peak Performance Project, in Santa Barbara.
