Report: Alec Burks could return to Jazz lineup next week

Fighting for their playoff lives in the Western Conference, the Utah Jazz are set to see a big boost in the very near future.

According to a report by Tony Jones of the Salt Lake Tribune on Saturday, Jazz guard Alec Burks could make his return to the lineup next week.

Burks, 24, has been sidelined since December after suffering a fractured left fibula that required surgery. He was averaging 14.3 points per game, 3.6 rebounds per game, and 2.1 assists per game before going down.

As a sort of Dwyane Wade Lite-type that attacks the basket relentlessly and does a little bit of everything as an all-around shooting guard, Burks gives the Utah offense greater depth and unpredictability.

At 38-38, the Jazz are clinging to the eighth seed in the Western Conference, but are just one game ahead of the Houston Rockets. The team has found success by plugging second-year guard Rodney Hood as the starting wing next to Gordon Hayward (Burks’ old role). Meanwhile, Shelvin Mack, who was acquired by the Jazz at the trade deadline, has looked fantastic and has provided them with backcourt firepower in Burks’ absence.

But if Burks can return as a sixth man dynamo for the Jazz in these last few games of the regular season, it could go a long way towards helping them secure their first playoff berth since 2012.

Image Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

H/T Rotoworld