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The Jazz are missing their starting point guard, shooting guard, power forward — and, according to Miami Heat All-Star Dwyane Wade, the most underrated player in the NBA.
The three-time champion was answering fans' questions on Twitter this week when one person wondered who Wade considered to be the league's most underrated talent.
"Alec Burks for Utah," the Heat guard responded, adding that "he's out right now but he can play."
Burks, who will be sidelined for the next several weeks by a fractured ankle, was grateful for the nod.
"An O.G. showing love," Burks said Saturday night, his left foot in a boot, and relying on a scooter to get around. "I appreciate it."
Burks might be underrated elsewhere, but in Utah the athletic shooting guard's value is well known — and the Jazz could desperately use his scoring with all of the other bad luck that has befallen the team's roster.
"Man," Burks said. "It's something you can't control. You can't control people getting hurt, so it is what it is."
It has been about two weeks since Burks drove to the basket and was fouled hard by Clippers forward Paul Pierce, causing Burks to crash to the floor.
"I didn't know what was happening for real, to be honest," Burks said Saturday. "I do that all the time. I fall in the air. I thought I was going to bounce back up."
Burks suffered a concussion and fractured his left fibula in the fall — his second major injury in as many seasons — but Burks isn't holding a grudge.
"He tried to make a basketball play," the guard said. "I can't do nothing if I'm mad or not."
The fractured ankle could have healed on its own, but Burks is anxious to get back — especially after missing most of last season with a shoulder injury — and opted to undergo surgery last month to speed up the process of getting back on the court.
"I wanted to be back as soon as possible," he said.
By the way, Burks agrees with Wade's assessment.
"Of course," he said. "Why wouldn't I feel like that? That's just the type of confidence I have in myself."
Burks still can't do weight-bearing activities, but said he hopes to begin rehab soon. The hope is for Burks to return after next month's All-Star break.
Until then, he'll have to remain underrated.
Twitter: @tribjazz