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USA Today via Reuters
Mar 31, 2024; Dallas, TX, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack forward DJ Burns Jr. (30) cuts the net after defeating the Duke Blue Devils in the finals of the South Regional of the 2024 NCAA Tournament at American Airline Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
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USA Today via Reuters
Mar 31, 2024; Dallas, TX, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack forward DJ Burns Jr. (30) cuts the net after defeating the Duke Blue Devils in the finals of the South Regional of the 2024 NCAA Tournament at American Airline Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
The women’s NCAA tourney surely overtook the attention from the MBB March Madness this year. However, we still saw some of the underdogs shine the brightest in men’s college basketball. One of them was the NC State’s DJ Burns Jr. who pushed his team to upset some of the projected worthy opponents like Duke. Not just that, his soft touches, light footwork, and unexpected quickness at his size all won hearts. Nevertheless, this Wolfpack who reached the Final Four of the 2024 Big Dance does not have a suitable match yet. Or does he?
Although not projected in any of the drafts so far, Zach Randolph believes that the 6-ft-9 DJ Burns Jr. can be a great fit with the Spurs. Giving his explanation on the ‘Podcast P with Paul George’ he said, “A team like San Antonio. A veteran team that’s, you know, that’s been winning. He could help a team out like that. Come in and make a difference. If you come in there and even put him in the rebound or, you know, get you a couple of easy baskets.”
Agreeing, Paul George responded, “That’s not bad. Because you got the big fella, big Wemby, that’d allow him to be free to roam. You got a real big to kind of hold the anchor down on the block.” PG-13 also laughed while promoting the advice as he said, “San Antonio y’all got a little tip in the air from the OG himself.”
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The 9x NBA All-Star and the 2020 Indiana Sports Hall of Famer clearly seem to agree on the point. But how exactly can Burns’ presence help the NBA’s block leader?
Will the duo of DJ Burns Jr. and Wemby work out well?
There is no denying that Victor Wembanyama’s skills on the floor have sent seismic waves through the basketball world. However, the Spurs can surely use a pillar to cement a better standing in the following season and also have a chance at the playoffs. This year, they were the second-worst team in the Western Conference with a win-loss record of 22-60. This was despite Wemby’s average of 21.6 ppg and 10.6 rpg.
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USA Today via Reuters
Mar 31, 2024; Dallas, TX, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack forward DJ Burns Jr. (30) celebrates with the trophy after defeating the Duke Blue Devils in the finals of the South Regional of the 2024 NCAA Tournament at American Airline Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Adding a motivated player like DJ Burns Jr., the Spurs can add to both ends of the floor. In his fifth year, he averaged 12.9 points and 4 rebounds per game. However, his tourney stats were quite impressive. In the postseason, he added 16.2 points and a season-high 29 points against the Blue Devils in their Final Four matchup.
The combination of the two can surely bolster the defense for San Antonio as with his size, DJ Burns Jr. is also quite renowned for making a spot for his opening. If not, the 23-year-old forward is also a tactical master to make open spaces for his teammates. Although the team has not given out any sign of bringing him into the roster, it would be interesting to see these two big men standing beside each other for an epic mismatch with the opponents.
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Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato had to say about the marketing genius, watch this video.