CBS Sports' Gary Parrish predicts Trey Burke as NBA Rookie of the Year

Submitted by JamieH on

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/blog/eye-on-basketball/22556844/the-too-highs-and-too-lows-of-this-nba-draft

9. Trey Burke: I had Burke going second overall in my mock draft even though I knew that probably wouldn't happen. I just wanted to make a point about how much I like him, and so I was hoping he'd land in a nice spot where he'll be able to flourish. Utah is that spot. Burke will be the NBA Rookie of the Year. I'd take odds on that right now.

I realize this is a story from yesterday but I thought it was interesting that someone was actually predicting Trey would be the Rookie of the Year in the NBA.  It's good to hear that Utah is a great situation for him.  I have a feeling Piston fans will not be very forgiving if this comes to pass.

gwkrlghl

June 29th, 2013 at 11:41 PM ^

I'm hoping THJ and Burke can become regular contributors in the NBA. Seems like we haven't really had anyone playing consistently in the league for a while

KAYSHIN15

June 30th, 2013 at 5:32 AM ^

The Pistons still need a leader and pg. the fact that he was the best leader/pg in college not to mention the consensus player of the year and the best pg in Michigans history makes matters worse. This article and thread is just more confirmation that the fans choice isn't always the stupid choice. Burke will cement that further when he becomes ROY and a perrenial AllStar.

dahblue

June 30th, 2013 at 8:27 PM ^

Greatest Michigan player we've ever seen???  Burke is among the best, but I don't know if anyone who watched Webber play would think Burke to have been a better player.  I don't know if I'd put him above Glen Rice and not sure if he'd be above Jalen Rose.

That said, all of that is of little consequence as Burke is a great PG.  The Pistons have needed a PG for years.  And they passed on him to take a SG...a position easily filled.  This isn't anything like the Mateen Cleaves situation (as some writers have suggested) as Mateen wasn't a great player.  He was a really good hustle player with tons of heart, but you don't have a hustle guy run the point.  I don't even think State fans thought he'd be a good pro.  Burke, on the other hand, is a great PG who's going to make a really good pro.

I haven't liked the NBA for years and I like it even less now.  I wouldn't go to the Palace if given free first row seats at center court.  The best player for their needs was there and they passed.  Pistons fans should do the same.

JamieH

July 1st, 2013 at 12:03 AM ^

I'd rank Glen Rice above Burke.  Rice was the best player I've seen wear the Michigan uniform.  Webber is a tough one.  As dominant as he was as an inside presence, he general lack of any real offensive moves (other than just basically being able to rebound everything that came off the rim and dunk it) and his horrible free-throw shooting makes me question where he ranks in the "greatest ever" discussion.  There's no question he's near the very top though.

After winning player of the year and taking Michigan to the final game, Burke is definitely right up there with those guys.  But I definitely can't rank him about Rice.  Dunno about the other guys.  Cazzie Russel and Ricky Green deserve to be on this list too, though I never watched either of them play in person.

KAYSHIN15

July 1st, 2013 at 12:49 AM ^

was a better player than Burke and its not really close if you ask me. Webber dominated college basketball for 2 years. There was no Aaron Craft that gave him issues or a Syracuse zone that made it almost impossible to score. C-Webb dominated. Although Burke may be top 5 alltime UM player, for my money he's below Rice and C-Webb. Either way, Joe Dumars screwed up once again. We have a roster with no leadership, and now the rumors are he's going to overpay for overrated FA's like Iguodala or Josh Smith. That would be the icing on the cake...

WolverineFanatic6

June 30th, 2013 at 2:44 AM ^

If Burke could get the jazz a title in his career he would be legendary. Utah is such a class organization I will root for them immensely now.

GRBluefan

June 30th, 2013 at 8:23 AM ^

Hoping that after Burke fell the pistons would have found a way to ship knight and a pick in next years draft for the #9. Starting lineup of Burke, kcp, mayo (hypothetical) Monroe, Drummond is pretty intriguing.

Eastside Maize

June 30th, 2013 at 9:00 AM ^

I know hindsight is 20/20 but I think we look back on this draft and compare it to when we drafted Darko. I'm not saying KCP will be a bust but I think we will regret not taking a leader and a great point like Burke. In my eyes Burke and KCP will always be linked.