Alec Burks

Born on July 20, 1991, Alec Burks is an iconic American pro basketball player celebrated for his exceptional skills, dedication, and marked influence on the NBA landscape. Currently known as a dynamic player for the Detroit Pistons, Burks has established himself as a significant force in professional basketball over the past decade. Since his selection as the 12th overall pick in the 2011 NBA draft by the Utah Jazz, he has consistently demonstrated his exceptional shooting guard style, scoring crucial goals and leaving imprints on sports enthusiasts across the globe.

Raised in an athletic family, Burks developed a love for basketball at an early age. He showcased his talent at Grandview High School where, in 2009, he earned the title of Gatorade Player of the Year in Missouri. During his senior year, he exhibited a spectacular performance, averaging 23.0 points, 6.8 rebounds, 10.2 assists, and 1.6 steals per game. This incredible achievement underscored his inherent talent, paving the way for his successful college career at the University Colorado.

During his tenure at Colorado, Burks carved a niche for himself as the school’s first-ever Big 12 Conference Freshman of the Year in 2010, and he only missed one game with the men’s basketball team during his time there. In his sophomore year, he was the 18th highest scorer in Division I, gaining national attention when he was selected for the Big 12 First Team. Projected to be a first-round draft pick, he boldly entered the 2011 NBA draft after his second year of college, an audacious move that essentially paid off.

Beginning his professional career, Alec signed his rookie contract with Utah Jazz in December 2011, and his strong gameplay ensured the extension of his contract through the 2013–14 and 2014–15 seasons. During this period, he scored a career-high of 34 points in a match against the Denver Nuggets in January 2014, securing a spot for himself as a notable athlete in NBA history.

Yet, his career was not without hurdles. In December 2014, after signing a four-year, $42 million contract extension with the Jazz, Burks met with a shoulder injury that ruled him out for the rest of the season. This was followed by an ankle fracture late next year, leading to surgery and a stretch of 50 missed games. Despite this adversity, he returned in 2016 with a stunning performance, scoring 11 points in a match against the Los Angeles Clippers.

Burks spent a day in 2017 with Utah’s D-League affiliate, the Salt Lake City Stars, bridging the gap between injury and full comeback. Displaying incredible resilience, he scored season-highs multiple times after his return, reminding everyone of his undying passion and skill for the game.

Over the next few years, Burks’ immaculate performance earned him trades with the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Sacramento Kings. During his brief stint with the Cavaliers, he became renowned for his game-winning dunk against the Brooklyn Nets. His switch to the Sacramento Kings witnessed him scoring crucial points, before he eventually signed with the Golden State Warriors in July 2019.

While with the Warriors, Burks continued to prove his worth, scoring a season-high 33 points in a match against the Portland Trail Blazers. His respect and love for the game and fellow players became evident when he changed his jersey number from 8 to 20 following the tragic death of Kobe Bryant.

In February 2020, Burks was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers, and while they were eliminated in the first round playoff series against the Boston Celtics, his stint with the team allowed him to further showcase his skills and deliver impressive performances.

Burks signed with the New York Knicks in November 2020, contributing to the team’s qualification for playoffs for the first time since 2013. However, a disappointing defeat in their first series marked the ending of this chapter.

Burks made a memorable comeback in August 2021 when he re-signed with the Knicks on a three-year, $30 million contract. While the Knicks failed to qualify for the playoffs that season, Burks’ career-high score of 34 points against the Detroit Pistons remained a notable achievement.

As of July 11, 2022, Burks joined the Detroit Pistons, a decision that fans eagerly anticipate will bring new opportunities and milestones to his impressive career.

Outside the realm of basketball, Alec Burks is the son of Steve and Dina Burks, and brother to Steve Jr., all of whom have played crucial roles in shaping his career and personal growth. Burks’ innate talent, combined with his dedication and passion, continue to make him a highly regarded figure in the NBA.