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SALT LAKE CITY — Alec Burks has missed the past two games, and various spurts of the 2014-15 season, with a shoulder injury.
On Tuesday, the Utah Jazz did what no NBA team wants to for a promising guard talent.
Burks, who averaged 13.9 points and 4.2 rebounds in 33.3 minutes for the Jazz in 27 games this year, will miss the remainder of the 2014-15 season to undergo surgery to repair his injured left shoulder, the Jazz announced Tuesday evening.
Jazz head orthopaedic physician Dr. Travis Maak will perform the surgery at the University of Utah on Dec. 31, and Burks' recovery should put him on track to begin the 2015 Jazz training camp.
"Alec's long-term health has been our top priority through this process, and although it is unfortunate that we will be with his services on the court the rest of this season, we commend Alec's commitment and continued effort to play through considerable pain to this point," said Jazz general manager Dennis Lindsey in a statement. "After continued consultation with our medical staff, Alec and his representation, we have unanimously agreed that it would be most prudent for Alec to have this procedure performed now in order to ensure that he will be healthy and ready for the start of next season."
The Colorado graduate appeared in 27 games, all starts, for the Jazz this season, shooting a career-best .382 from three-point range while scoring in double figures in 22 games. The 23-year-old Burks reached 20 points four times, and also registered the first two double-doubles of his career.
Burks signed a four-year, $42 million contract in October, according to The Deseret News' Jody Genessy.
The Jazz selected Burks in the first round of the 2011 NBA Draft at No. 12 overall. The youngster has struggled with shoulder issues since college, and he was likely heading toward surgery by the offseason.
Rookies Rodney Hood and Dante Exum will see increased playing time with Burks' injury, and new signings Ian Clark and Patrick Christopher could also slide into that role.
