This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2015, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Shooting guard Alec Burks underwent surgery Tuesday in hopes of speeding up his recovery from an ankle fracture.
The shooting guard's fractured left fibula could have mended on its own over time. But the Jazz on Tuesday confirmed a report from a day earlier that "Burks opted for the procedure in an effort to expedite and assure the healing process."
The procedure to place a plate and some screws in Burks' left ankle could speed up the guard's return to the court by several weeks. Without surgery, Burks was expected to miss at least six weeks and likely more, a source told The Tribune. After the procedure, Burks should be allowed to begin weight-bearing activity after two weeks or so with the hope of having him ready to return to game play within that six-week timeframe, according to the source. That would mean Burks could make his return sometime around the All-Star break.
"It stinks that he has to have surgery, but hopefully everything goes well today and he's out on the floor with us as soon as possible," Jazz center Jeff Withey said after the team's practice Tuesday afternoon. "We miss him and we need him because he's a huge part of our team and brings a lot of energy and scoring power off the bench. As soon as we get him back that's going to help our team and hopefully bring us to the next level and even give us a little emotional boost."
Burks' surgery was performed in Salt Lake by Charles L. Saltzman, a foot and ankle specialist and the University of Utah Health Care's orthopedics department chairman.
"Burks will remain in Salt Lake City to begin his rehabilitation, and will then accompany the team on road trips once he is cleared to travel," the Jazz said in a news release announcing the the surgery.
Burks was averaging a career-high 14.3 points per game for the Jazz when he was injured in a hard fall after being fouled on Saturday night against the Clippers.
Playing safe
When all NBA contracts become fully guaranteed on Jan. 10, Withey should among the players who has earned that security.
The 7-footer was a late pickup by the Jazz this summer and signed a partially guaranteed deal to boot. But his production in limited minutes has been a boon for Utah in the wake of Rudy Gobert's knee injury. And he proved his worth again Monday night against the Sixers.
"I thought [Nerlens] Noel was a really difficult matchup for us, just his length and athleticism," Jazz coach Quin Snyder said. "… Jeff did a good job when he was in the game. He neutralized some of that the best he could.
Withey got the start against Philly with both Gobert and Derrick Favors out, and he finished with season highs in points (11) and rebounds (12).
"It is all about confidence," Withey said. "When you get the minutes over and over again you get more and more comfortable. I have been watching a lot of film with [Jazz assistant coach] Tony Lang. We talk all the time and go over certain situations and he has done a great job getting me right for this."
But after playing 21 minutes in the first three quarters, Snyder kept Withey on the bench for all but two minutes in the fourth, as the Jazz closed things out with forwards Trey Lyles and Trevor Booker.
"When we were playing pick-and-roll with Gordon [Hayward] and Trey Burke in the middle of the floor, Trey Lyles allowed us to space a little bit in the corner, whereas when we have Jeff and Book in it's a different matchup," Snyder said, adding that he thought the smaller combo helped the Jazz be able to switch while defending Philadelphia's pick-and-rolls.
No gimmes
Guarded by Rodney Hood, Philly point guard Ish Smith missed a shot to tie the game with just seconds to go — and he was not pleased with himself.
"You want me to be honest? How I missed that last shot? I'm not happy about that one. I think that was probably the easiest shot I had all night," Smith told reporters. "… When I shot faked and he jumped, I said 'oh my goodness, I'm this wide open?' I was in between a bank shot and going straight in. I probably should have shot it an inch farther."
Injury report
Favors traveled with the team to Minnesota, but it remains to be seen whether he'll suit up against the Timberwolves after missing two straight games with back spasms. He is officially listed as questionable.
Twitter: @tribjazz