Suns Writer Confirms Blazers Fans’ Long-Held Belief on Jusuf Nurkic
The trade involving Jusuf Nurkic and the Portland Trail Blazers marked a significant shift in the NBA landscape in 2023. The Blazers dealt Nurkic to the Phoenix Suns as part of the high-profile Damian Lillard trade. Following this move, Nurkic struggled to find his niche in Phoenix and consequently moved around the league, having stints in Charlotte and ultimately ending up with the Utah Jazz. His journey raised questions about his fit within the modern NBA.
Jusuf Nurkic’s Challenges and Career Resurgence
Nurkic faced scrutiny throughout his tenure with the Suns, receiving criticism for his performance and from Bosnia’s national coach regarding his conditioning. Despite these challenges, Nurkic has turned his career around with the Jazz. This season, he is posting impressive averages of:
- 10.4 points per game
- 10.0 rebounds per game
- 4.3 assists per game
- 1.4 steals per game
These figures highlight his significant contribution to the Jazz, a team that has surpassed expectations this season, currently holding a 14-25 record.
The Suns’ Misjudgment of Nurkic’s Value
In hindsight, Nurkic’s resurgence has prompted former teams to reconsider their assessments of him. Swoosh Shrestha of Valley of the Suns noted that the Suns may not have recognized Nurkic’s true abilities. He stated, “The Suns have rebuilt their rotation… one of the most underrated departures was Jusuf Nurkic.”
This remark underlines the potential misjudgment regarding Nurkic’s impact. In Portland, he served as a starting center and played a crucial role as a versatile offensive player. However, upon joining the Suns, his responsibilities diminished, limiting his effectiveness as a traditional center.
Impact on Teams and Players
Nurkic’s role with the Jazz has allowed him to capitalize on his strengths, benefiting both him and the team’s developing players. His ability to screen and pass has, for example, supported Keyonte George’s breakout performance.
While the Suns initially looked to Nurkic to solve their center issues, his defensive limitations might have contributed to their struggles. The overall issues within the Suns’ roster extend beyond a single player, paralleling recent sentiments from Kevin Durant regarding his departure from the team.
A Bright Future Ahead
Ultimately, the trade has appeared beneficial for all parties involved. The Blazers offloaded Deandre Ayton, secured rising star Toumani Camara, and retained potential future center Donovan Clingan. The Suns have also made strides to correct their roster flaws this offseason, currently boasting a commendable 24-16 record.
As Nurkic continues to excel with the Jazz, his journey serves as a reminder of the complexities associated with player evaluations and the importance of fitting into a team’s system.
