Alec Burks still not cleared for contact but expects to be ready for 2015-16

Alec Burks has spent all of 2015 sitting on the sidelines, watching his Utah Jazz teammates jell together and become what appears to be a potential breakout team for 2015-16.

Despite the success of the team without him, Burks is eyeing a return to the starting lineup next season, one that would come at the expense of teammate Rodney Hood.

"I feel like I'm gonna be a starter," Burks said. "But it's coach's decision."

What his role will be when he returns to the team is a concern that's a few steps beyond where Burks is right now. 

He last played on Dec. 22, after which he underwent season-ending left shoulder surgery to alleviate the considerable pain he had been trying to play through. Burks still hasn't been cleared for contact but has been able to dribble and shoot for some time, and while he's used the time on the sidelines to learn head coach Quin Snyder's system, that's no replacement for playing.

"It was tough," Burks said. "I've never experienced anything like that missing so many games, but I learned a lot. I'll be able to play next year, and I can't wait."

Before the season, the Jazz bet on Burks in a big way, signing him to a four-year, $42-million contract extension that suggests they see him as a large part of the franchise's future. Since the team figured out their defense and closed the season on a 21-11 run, Burks may have to work his way back into a major role.

Burks' primary assets are his ability to create his own offense and shoot the triple, though he's far from a finished product in that regard. Prior to the injury, the 23-year-old was averaging 13.9 points, 4.2 rebounds and three assists, shooting 38.2 percent from outside but 40.3 percent overall.

"I can help out when I'm healthy," Burks said. "I hope I'm the missing piece. I really hope so. I hope I take us over to the playoffs."

The Jazz could enter next season with a solid defense in place and a healthy competition for minutes, never a bad thing for a young team on the upswing. Whether Burks is a starter or a reserve, he's likely to figure in prominently, considering his deal will be mostly unmovable coming off an injury.