Utah Jazz rookie guard Trey Burke is expected to miss up to three months after breaking his right index finger during a 106-74 preseason loss to the L.A. Clippers on Saturday.
According to Sports Illustrated, Burke was evaluated on Monday and doctors concluded he will miss anywhere from 19 to 34 games, returning before sometime in December.
The rebuilding Jazz are expected to heavily rely on Burke, the No. 9 pick in the 2013 draft, this season as their starting point guard. In three preseason starts, Burke averaged 7 points and four assists. Of the other options Coach Tyrone Corbin has in John Lucas 111, Scott Machado and Justin Holiday, only Lucas has a guaranteed contract for the upcoming season.
Burke, 20, played two years at Michigan, where he earned National Player of the Year, First-Team All-American and Big Ten Player of the Year honors as a sophomore. He also led Michigan to the NCAA title game, where the Wolverines narrowly lost out to Rick Pitino and Louisville.
The Jazz acquired Burke in a draft day trade with the Timberwolves.Oddsmakers have projected him as one of the favorites to snare 2014 Rookie of the Year honors.
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