DJ Burns Jr., the 6’9″, 275-pound senior from NC State, has captured the hearts of college basketball fans with his late-season breakout. His dominant performances in the ACC and NCAA Tournaments have raised eyebrows, but will they be enough to warrant NBA Draft attention?
DJ Burns Jr’s strength and weakness
Size and Skill: DJ Burns is a walking mismatch at the college level. His size and strength make him a force in the paint. He’s not just a bulldozer; he’s deceptively quick and light-footed. His soft touch around the rim and patented spin move showcase his offensive prowess.
Court Vision: Burns isn’t a black hole on the block. If he can’t get to his spot, he kicks it back out or repositions himself for another entry pass. His solid court vision allows him to make plays for teammates.
Shooting Range: DJ Burns is a non-shooter outside of the paint. His lack of perimeter shooting limits his offensive versatility
Defensive Challenges: While physical and capable of holding his own as a post defender, Burns lacks the length and athleticism to deter opponents from scoring at the rim. His lateral mobility is limited, and he struggles to defend in space.
The Zach Randolph comparison is intriguing. Like Randolph, Burns relies on craftiness and footwork in the post. However, Burns lacks Randolph’s 3-point shot. His defensive shortcomings also raise concerns.
Despite his breakout performances, it’s unlikely Burns will be drafted—even as a second-rounder. Kenneth Lofton Jr., with a similar build, went undrafted in 2022. Burns may follow a similar path. However, his journey doesn’t end there. Undrafted free agency could provide an opportunity for him to prove his worth at the next level.
