Alec Burks out for Game 3 vs. Clippers After PRP Injection in Injured Knee

The Utah Jazz announced on Thursday that guard Alec Burks would miss the team's Game 3 matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers after undergoing a platelet-rich plasma injection in his left knee.  

Burks, 25, has spent much of the past two seasons injured. He had shoulder surgery in December 2014 and ankle surgery in December 2015, June 2016 and November 2016 to help him deal with the pain.

He finally made his season debut Jan. 3 of this year.

His continued battle with injuries has stymied what was shaping up to be a promising career. Burks played well in 2013-14, primarily coming off the bench to average 14.0 points and 2.7 assists in 28.1 minutes per game over 78 contests. He brought athleticism at shooting guard, giving the team a different dynamic.

This season, he averaged 6.7 points and 2.9 rebounds per game during the regular season, though Utah's backcourt depth limited him to just 15.5 minutes per contest.

While the Jazz have dealt with plenty of injuries throughout the year, they also have the bodies to handle Burks' latest trip to the training room. Rodney Hood has established himself as an up-and-coming player, while the Jazz can also trot out George Hill, Shelvin Mack, Joe Ingles and Dante Exum at guard.

With that said, the concern in Utah is whether Burks will ever be able to stay healthy.

He may need to change his aggressive approach and acrobatic drives to the basket, though Burks didn't seem inclined to shift his style of play before his last injury.

"I'm not going to change who I am fundamentally," he told Tony Jones of the Salt Lake Tribune on Jan. 4. "I've played this way my entire career, and I've only gotten hurt twice. I know there are spots where I can be a little more careful, but I've got to be who I am."

This latest setback may force Burks to change that mentality.

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