NC State Big Man DJ Burns Looks Great After Dropping 45 LBS

If you missed out on March Madness this year, just know that NC State big man D.J. Burns captivated hearts and eyes with his quick feet, fancy game and large frame.

Burns helped the Wolfpack reach the Final Four, losing to Purdue, in his send-off before leaving college for the pros.

Well, D.J. Burns is putting in the work this offseason — dropping 45 freakin' pounds …. without the help of Ozempic!

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - MARCH 23: DJ Burns Jr. #30 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack reacts during overtime of a game against the Oakland Golden Grizzlies in the second round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at PPG PAINTS Arena on March 23, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)

NBA insider and fellow Kay Adams 'supporter' Shams Charania shared the news, giving us all more reasons to champion D.J. Burns as a potential NBA talent. Burns debuted his look during a pre-draft workout for the Los Angeles Lakers.

"DJ Burns told me he has lost 45 pounds in the last six and a half weeks," Charania said. "He told me no Ozempic, he said he's been doing workouts 4 days a week, at 5am." 
 

Playing for N.C. State at 6-foot-9, 275 lbs, the senior forward was hailed for possessing an interesting basketball ceiling while also gaining some attention (reportedly!) from the NFL.

Impressed by his size and speed, NFL teams reportedly eyed Burns for potential workouts as an offensive lineman, or perhaps on the defensive line with the right bulk.

Rather than mull over a future in football, Burns appears locked in on building his NBA draft stock. Burns appears to be building confidence in teams after his weight loss.

Burns was not invited to the NBA Draft, even if he's more deserving of the spot than other names attending in June.  

DALLAS, TEXAS - MARCH 31: DJ Burns Jr. #30 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack smiles down the court during the Elite Eight round of the 2024 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament held at American Airlines Center on March 31, 2024 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Andy Hancock/NCAA Photos/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)

Nuggets star Nikola Jokic once gave praise to Burns' game during D.J.'s March Madness run.

"He’s amazing… I think he's so skilled, especially for a lefty...seems like teammates like to play with him. Gotta be a good guy."

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