The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/703389
MICHIGAN IN THE PROS traded his rights to Utah), in exchange for a second-round pick in 2021. Burke spent his first three seasons with the Jazz, playing in 64 games last season while averaging 10.6 points and 2.3 assists per game. "It's a fresh start, a new start, a new organization," Burke told The Washington Post. "It's something that I haven't really dealt with. Obviously being traded on draft night, that's different than actually being traded once in the league. I'm looking forward to just joining the team and bringing more leadership to the team. "I think it's just a good fit for me, obviously playing behind [starter] John Wall. He's an established guard right now. Learning from him, I'm looking forward to the opportunity. I've heard nothing but good things about the city. It's just great to know that I'm welcome to another organization." Head coach Scott Brooks is known for improving guards, and Burke will be his next project. "It's the opportunity of a lifetime," Burke said. "I got a chance to pick [Brooks'] brain in a meeting … he said he's excited to work with me as well, obviously the potential that I still have. I hear he always brings the potential out of young players. He pushes them. He's looking for a competitive player with a chip on his shoulder." Burke certainly has one after becoming an afterthought in Utah, ready to prove himself again. CARIS LEVERT DRAFTED IN THE FIRST ROUND Michigan shooting guard Caris LeVert's long, tougher than expected road to the NBA ended when he became the Brooklyn Nets' first- round pick at No. 20 (via a trade with Indiana) in the NBA Draft June 23. The Nets moved nine-year veteran Thaddeus Young to get LeVert, in part because they had inside information on LeVert and his injury history (three foot surgeries in two years). Dr. Martin O'Malley, the doctor who performed LeVert's foot surgery March 22, also happens to be the Nets' foot and ankle specialist. LeVert had told NBA general managers he was healthy in his heartfelt, open letter on The Players' Tribune website, comparing his injury to NBA All-Star Kevin Durant's, but he had an ace up his sleeve in O'Malley, whether he knew it or not. "I'm really blessed to be in this situation," LeVert said after taking the stage post-draft. "Through all the adversity I went through the past couple of years, I'm lost for words right now to be here. "I knew the [Brooklyn] staff really liked me, but I didn't know if they had any first-round picks. But I'm blessed to be part of this organization … blessed to be in a great city as well. [I'm] happy to be here." The first two guaranteed years of LeVert's contract will reportedly be worth $1,301,900 in 2016-17 and $1,360,400 in 2017-18 on the rookie pay scale.