National Basketball Association

Washington Wizards Media Day 2016: Trey Burke Feels No Pressure In Washington

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

Washington Wizards acquired Trey Burke in the off-season, but the guard says he feels no extra pressure now that he’s in the final year of his contract

Trey Burke stood in front of a blue “Monumental Sports” backdrop on Monday morning, surrounded by reporters who towered above him.

The 6’0″ Michigan standout was traded by the Utah Jazz to the Washington Wizards this past summer for virtually nothing.

Utah was hopeful that the ninth overall pick would fill the shoes that Deron Williams, an All-Star, once wore. But as his career progressed with the Jazz, the organization had different plans for Burke, essentially shutting his career down at the end of this past season.

Burke, who started in 68 of the 70 games he suited up for in Utah during his rookie season, lost his spot in Quin Snyder’s rotation.

Last year, Burke didn’t start in a single game.

“Last year I didn’t have the opportunity that I’ll have here. Towards the end of the year, after the deadline, they went their own route,” Burke told reporters in a media day scrum.

“I feel like I’m going to have an opportunity to be myself. I’m with an organization that will allow me to be myself. It’s a better fit for me.”

Knowing that his time in Utah was likely coming to an end, Burke prepared to move in the off-season and spent time working on his game.

More from Wiz of Awes

“Consistency is going to come from me staying with it and trusting the process,” Burke said.

“That’s coming in early every day, staying late after practice and making sure I’m getting my extra reps in.”

“Everything else will work out for itself. I’m excited for this year and what I could bring to this team.”

Burke was a part of the Wizards’ youth movement in the summer.

Instead of adding a veteran guard, Ernie Grunfeld decided to trade for Burke, who’s still unproven but possessed more upside than those available on the free agent market.

Washington is hopeful that Burke will revitalize his career, just like Ramon Sessions did when he arrived to the nation’s capital from the Sacramento Kings in 2015.

Unlike Sessions, though, Burke is entering the final season of his contract. His NBA career could be on the line with the Wizards.

For most, the pressure to perform would be incredibly high. But Burke hasn’t felt that yet.

“Not at all. You would think so, but where I am now – me knowing the work that I put in this summer, mentally where I am at age 23 – you would think there is some pressure for me, but there really is not,” Burke said when asked if he feels any additional pressure.

“I know I can come in here, be myself and play my game. From Day-1, John Wall told me that. ‘We know what you can do on the court. Just be yourself.’ It’s excitement more than pressure. I know this is a special group.”

This article originally appeared on