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Denver Nuggets: 3 affordable wings to target in free agency

By Quenton S. Albertie

PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 20: Alec Burks #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers shoots the ball against DeAndre Jordan #6 of the Brooklyn Nets at the Wells Fargo Center on February 20, 2020 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Nets 112-104 in overtime. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 20: Alec Burks #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers shoots the ball against DeAndre Jordan #6 of the Brooklyn Nets at the Wells Fargo Center on February 20, 2020 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Nets 112-104 in overtime. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – FEBRUARY 20: Alec Burks #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the ball against Spencer Dinwiddie #26 of the Brooklyn Nets at the Wells Fargo Center on February 20, 2020 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – FEBRUARY 20: Alec Burks #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the ball against Spencer Dinwiddie #26 of the Brooklyn Nets at the Wells Fargo Center on February 20, 2020 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

Alec Burks

Alec Burks is a skilled scorer and crafty ball-handler whose ability to get to the rim will help the Nuggets improve their horrid free-throw rate. Burks is more of a finesse finisher than a guy who seeks contact but he still averages 4.3 free-throw attempts per game this season, which is more than anybody in Denver.

If the Nuggets continue to start Jamal Murray at point guard, there’s a good chance that Burks could play heavy minutes in Denver’s backcourt, giving them a perimeter group full of players that can break down the defense. The type of grouping that, ultimately, will enhance their motion offense. Another benefit of signing Burks is that he has the size (6’6″, 214 pounds) and versatility to play both guard positions and small forward.

Having played for the Colorado Buffaloes in college, Burks knows all about the altitude, so it shouldn’t be a problem. In fact, Burks has his 8th-best scoring average (10.9) and 7th best field goal percentage (45.2) in the 22 games he’s played in Denver over his nine-year career compared to other teams.

While that’s not a definitive indication of how he would perform in the Mile High if he received a contract from the Nuggets, it’s certainly not a bad sign.

Burks is averaging 15.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.0 steal in 29.0 minutes per game this season. He’s shooting 40.4% from the field, 36.6% from 3-point range and 89.6% from free-throw range.