Trey Burke: chasing a breakout season after a summer spent studying film
Trey Burke knows he can make plays for himself and others on the hardwood. However, after a season of limited success, the six-foot guard spent the summer exploring the film on his game with the hope of finding out what he does best on the floor. And two days into training camp he's already seen […]
Trey Burke knows he can make plays for himself and others on the hardwood.
However, after a season of limited success, the six-foot guard spent the summer exploring the film on his game with the hope of finding out what he does best on the floor.
And two days into training camp he's already seen the benefits of a summer spent studying the game. He feels ready to prove that his play in the NBA bubble wasn't a fluke and that instead, last season's struggles were.
"I watched a lot of film this summer and tried to see where I wasn't effective last year, and where I was effective in the bubble," Burke said. "A lot of that has to do with being myself. Last year, with the situation I was given and the role that I was put in, a lot of times I was out there thinking – overthinking. Everyone knows when I don't overthink, and I just play my game, the value that I can bring to this team.
"Film helped me tremendously this year by really slowing the game down and trying to see where I can be effective and help this team with the skill set that I have."
Burke's bubble breakout.
When the Dallas Mavericks found themselves in Florida, in the NBA bubble, Burke found a level of consistency on the floor he hadn't reached in his journeyman NBA career.
He averaged 12 points, three assists and two rebounds through 14 games while playing 24 minutes a night. It was arguably one of the best stretches of his eight-year career. Burke hung a 31-point game against Houston to open up bubble play. He followed that up with a stretch of four straight games scoring in double figures. Yet, it wouldn't stop there.
With the Clippers leading 2-1 in the first round of the NBA Playoffs, and Kristaps Porzingis unavailable due to a knee injury, Burke provided a 25-point masterpiece to aid Dallas in squeaking out a 2-point win.
He only missed four shots (10-14), and he played 37 minutes en route to netting a plus-minus of plus-17.
Dallas went on to lose the series, and Burke didn't play well in a final game six, but it was believed he would build off the confidence gained in the bubble. However, the opposite appeared to happen.
Burke's 2020-21 season struggles.
Following his inspiring play through 14 NBA bubble games, Burke saw both his minutes and points per game averages dip in the 2020-21 season. His 6.6 point per game average is the third lowest in his career. And his 14.7 minutes per game mark also ranked the third-lowest of his eight seasons in the NBA.
Burke's struggle with effectiveness on the court led to stretches where he slipped out of the everyday rotation. Putting together long streaks of quality play grew difficult. And though he stayed ready for whenever his number was called, the consistency of his play varied.
During the difficulties and mundane nature of last season, and basketball in general, Burke relied on people outside of basketball to keep him grounded. He sought serenity in his family.
"When basketball gets stressful and gets a little overwhelming, you go to your immediate family and spend time with them," Burke said. "I just try to stay grounded. I come from humble beginnings, so I try to keep things simple and just spend a lot of time with my family and loved ones."
A new season marks a new opportunity.
Burke watched film this summer hoping to capture the magic he possessed during his 14-game run in the NBA bubble. He wants to prove that it wasn't lightning in a bottle, or a fleeting moment of glory – here today and gone tomorrow.
Under head coach Jason Kidd, he feels that the moment to prove himself is here. He's thrived off the competition, and he's ready to let it take him to the next level.
"There is just a lot of competition and guys pushing each other," Burke said. "It's a clean slate for everybody. We are trying to redeem ourselves and prepare for this year and make a championship run."
As for his role, and how it may differ from last season, Burke and the coaches have talked about the subject briefly, he said. And regardless of that role, he believes that everyone on the team knows exactly what he brings to the game.
"Everyone on this team knows exactly what I can do as far as playmaking," Burke said. "Attacking in transition. In the half-court offense, when the play breaks down, I am a guy that can go get a bucket. I feel like I can play some backup point guard as well. I know what I can bring to this team."
Chasing an NBA bubble resurgence, Burke stands ready to prove that he can make plays when it matters most.
Related Mavericks reading:
"Josh Green seeks improvement heading into year two."
"Kristaps Porzingis says he just needed to get back to having fun on the court."
Feature image via Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports.
