Former Oklahoma City Thunder forward Deonte Burton saw minimal action during his three seasons in the NBA, but he left a big impression on ex-teammate Paul George.
On a recent episode of the "Podcast P with Paul George," George spoke about how impressed he was by Burton and likened him to New Orleans Pelicans center Zion Williamson.
"My time in Oklahoma City, there was a kid named Deonte Burton," the Los Angeles Clippers star said. "You probably don't know who he is, but like, I used to ask, 'Why we don't play him?' I swear ... 'Cause he played some games when guys went down, like they'll plug him in in garbage time. They'll plug him in in spurt moments.
"But I used to see him in practice, and I would see him like, his G-League games, or D-League, I dunno what it was at the time. He was like Zion before Zion. Like he had that physique - more muscular, though. Jump out the gym, strong as an ox, and will lock your ass up."
George pointed to Burton as an example of how difficult it is for players to succeed in the NBA when not given an opportunity.
"That's just how the NBA is. You don't get a chance, you kinda assed out, you know what I mean?" George said. "It's hard to get into this game. If you don't get a chance to get into this game, people just won't see how good you are."
Burton, who went undrafted out of Iowa State, appeared in 71 games over his two seasons with the Thunder from 2018-20. He had a brief stint with the Sacramento Kings during the 2022-23 season before joining the Mets de Guaynabo of the Baloncesto Superior Nacional in Puerto Rico this year.