Breaking: 32-Year-Old Superstar Reveals Key Reason He Chose Erik Spoelstra’s Side in Free Agency
Alec Burks will be joining his eighth NBA team with the Miami Heat.
In the Miami Heat’s free agency so far, most moves have been re-signings, such as Kevin Love and Thomas Bryant. However, the roster’s newest addition is veteran point guard Alec Burks. After playing for the New York Knicks and Detroit Pistons last season, Burks joins the Heat and recently spoke to the local media about why he chose Miami and how he fits with the team.
Last season, Burks started with the Pistons, averaging 12.6 points while shooting 39.4 percent from the field and 40.1 percent from beyond the arc. He was then acquired via the buyout market by the Knicks, where his numbers dropped due to the team’s scoring volume, averaging 6.5 points.
Despite likely having interest from other teams, Burks chose Miami, citing his admiration for Heat Culture and a conversation with Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra as the “real reason” he picked this destination.
“I just admired the Heat Culture from afar, and I talked to Spo [Spoelstra] before I made my decision. We had a great conversation, and I think that’s the real reason I picked the team,” Burks said. “I think I can fit in, I think what I bring I can just be a role player and help out and help win.”
How Burks Can Complement the Heat’s “Big Three”
Burks signed a veteran minimum contract for one year worth $3.3 million, aiming to add depth to the backcourt. Besides supporting players like Terry Rozier, the key will be complementing the current “Big Three” of the Heat: Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, and Tyler Herro. Burks told ClutchPoints that they are all “elite” and that he can easily “play off them.”
“Just, I think I can space the floor; all three of them are very elite,” Burks said. “So I think I just play my role and help out any way I can, just play off them.”
“My versatility, that I can play a couple of positions and be able to shoot, space the floor for other guys to get into the paint—those two skills will help out a lot,” Burks continued about what his skillset can add to Miami.
Burks on Always Staying Ready and Bouncing Around the League
Although his opportunity with the Knicks was limited, Burks had some crucial performances off the bench during the NBA Playoffs, averaging close to 15 points per game in the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Indiana Pacers, including a 26-point performance in Game 7.
Burks emphasized the importance of staying ready and being professional, a mindset he brings to the Heat.
“Just be professional; it’s not really a balance,” Burks said. “I’ve been in this situation before, so just be ready, be professional. You never know what’s gonna happen in the game, so you always gotta be ready. That’s why I pride myself on always being ready.”
Burks, who has also played for five other teams, spent most of his career with the Utah Jazz before being traded mid-season to the Cleveland Cavaliers. He candidly described the challenges of moving from team to team as “tough” for his family but acknowledged it’s part of the business.
“I think that kind of comes with the game, the business sometimes,” Burks said. “No, I haven’t moved around a few times by choice, but just because that’s the NBA sometimes. It’s always tough to move, especially with my family, my kids, but sometimes you gotta do it for the right situation.”
At any rate, Burks is looking to help the Heat improve after last season, where they went 46-36 and finished as the eighth seed for the second straight season.
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