Burks has strong ties to former Jazz assistant coach, now Knicks associate head coach Johnnie Bryant
Alec Burks was in his second year with the Utah Jazz when Johnnie Bryant joined the franchise as a low-level assistant coach. Suddenly, Burks’ development gained an important ally.
“I thought I was working hard,” Burks said in an interview with the Daily News. “But he showed me there’s a different level to be good in this league. And I feel like he brought me to that level.”
Bryant not only dedicated his nights to training sessions, he became close to the player’s family. It was a focused and personalized training that fostered an enduring relationship.
By Bryant’s second season with he Jazz, Burks had transformed from an unproductive reserve to averaging 14 points on 46% shooting in 2013-14.