Alec Burks never wanted to leave the Knicks, signing a three-year contract extension after emerging as the driving force behind the franchise’s return to the playoffs for the first time in eight years in 2021.
However, Burks, who scored 22 points in the Knicks’ 125-111 loss to the Pacers at the Garden on Saturday night, was a free agent in the Knicks’ salary cap space to sign Jalen Brunson in free agency in the summer of 2019. Because he was trying to free up space, he had no choice but to make the sacrifice. 2022.
He was sent to the Pistons along with Nerlens Noel in one deal, and Kemba Walker was also sent to Detroit in another, freeing up nearly $30 million in salary cap space and giving Brunson a four-year deal worth $104 million. We decided to sign a contract. .
Brunson has developed into a first-time All-Star and a fringe MVP candidate this season, but Burks, 32, was traded ahead of Thursday’s trade deadline to forward Bojan from the league-worst Pistons for Quentin Grimes and Evan Fournier. We reacquired Bogdanovic. , Malachi Flynn, Ryan Arcidiacono and two second-round picks will be out for at least Saturday’s game with Julius Randle (shoulder), OG Anunoby (elbow) and Mitchell Robinson (ankle) out. He provided scoring power to a strong Knicks team. vs. Pacers, Isaiah Hartenstein (Achilles).
“There’s a lot of emotion, it’s really crazy,” Burks said before both rookies suited up for Saturday’s game at the Garden. “That’s how the world goes, right? But I’m glad to be back. I’m getting a lot of love here. So I’m glad to be back with everyone.
“I really enjoyed my two years working here. We played a playoff series, connected with a lot of fans, and won a lot of games. I went through different periods as a Knick, but I remember those days and it’s great to come back. I’m really happy to have you.”
Burks, a 13-year NBA veteran, played as a versatile combo guard for Tom Thibodeau and the Knicks from 2020 to 2022, averaging 12.1 points and making 3-pointers in 130 games (49 starts). He had an excellent record of .408. .
Some of his numbers were similar in his two seasons with the Pistons, where he scored 12.7 points per game and connected on 40.7 percent of his attempts from long range in 94 games played.
Bogdanovic, 34, began his 10-year NBA career with the Nets as a second-team All-Rookie selection in 2014-15, but he shot 41.5 percent from 3-point range this season, better than Burks. ing.
The Croatian forward, who scored 11 points in the Knicks’ loss to the Pacers, has averaged 21.2 points per game over the past two seasons with the Pistons.
Bogdanovic started on the bench Saturday, but as long as Randle and Anunoby are out, Bogdanovic will likely start in the Knicks’ frontcourt in the near future.
“I’m very excited to be a part of probably the biggest franchise in the world and to be a part of the Knicks family,” Bogdanovic said. “It means a lot to me to be here and I’m really excited to be back in New York.”
Burks addressed the Knicks’ progress since leaving, saying it’s mainly “just the difference Jalen has made.”
I mean, he’s an incredible player. He feels bringing him in made the rebuild even better. With Thisbus and Julius playing at this level, it’s great that I was a part of the beginning. ”
Burks also believes his history with the Knicks and Thibodeau will make his transition back into a smooth one.
“I don’t think he’s really changed much. I feel like he wants me to play on both sides of the ball. So I don’t think the transition will be that difficult,” Burks said. said. “I don’t know [what it is], Man. we connect. I don’t know. Just connect. He likes my game on and off the court. I like the way he coaches.
“When I was here as Nick, we talked a lot off the court. He’s just a nice guy, dude.”
Bogdanovic, who has been to the playoffs every year of his career except for 2016 with Brooklyn and last season with the Pistons, didn’t seem intimidated by the new coach either.
“I’ve been around a lot of old-school coaches and I hear he’s one of them, so it’s not going to be a big adjustment for me,” Bogdanovic said. “I rather like old-fashioned coaching. It’s very European.
“I think the biggest part of my game is just trying to be the best player in my role, no matter what grade the coaches give me. I know we have, but we have two stars. That’s the biggest part, bringing me and Alec here and helping them be their best selves on the court. It will help you.”
