When Jusuf Nurkic was acquired by the Denver Nuggets in a draft day trade with the Chicago Bulls, no one was entirely sure what they were going to get from him. The 19-year-old European center, out of Bosnia and Herzegovina, was largely unknown by the average fan in the NBA. After a successful season with his club Cedevita (based in Croatia), that saw him averaging 11.7 points, 5.7 rebounds and 0.8 blocks in just 16.6 minutes per -game, there was nothing but high praises from scouts, who all were impressed with the 7-footer’s play in the Adriatic League and Eurocup.
The more conservative fan may view Nurkic’s antics as immature, but I view it as something completely different — what the NBA has been missing.
Coming out of the draft, Nurkic was viewed as a Nikola Pekovic-type player (with a jump shot), making him very attractive for teams that were looking for a center that could stretch the floor. Nurkic received high praise for his physicality around the rim, his nose for offensive rebounds, and his shooting touch. He has put all of these skills on display in his rookie season.
So far this season, he is averaging an efficient 7.1 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.2 blocks, all while playing 18.2 minutes per-game, and he has become one of my personal favorite players in the NBA due to his size, shooting touch, and fearlessness when going against tough competition.
On January 3rd, in a game against the
Memphis Grizzlies
, Nurkic captured the attention of most NBA fans (including myself) after he not only swatted a shot from All-Star (and former
Defensive Player of the Year)
, but then he proceeded to scoff at him for even attempting to put up that weak stuff up in his house.
Only a few days later, on January 9th, did he do something that cemented his greatness and potential in my eyes. With just over four minutes remaining in the third quarter, Nurkic spotted up for a jumper over
s and hit it while falling down. As if that was not amazing in and of itself, the rookie then got up and proceeded to let him know it the entire way down the court
Since then, with the exception of an ankle injury, Nurkic has been on an absolute tear, with breakout games against the Grizzlies,
Minnesota Timberwolves
,
Sacramento Kings
,
Brooklyn Nets
,
New Orleans Pelicans
,
Boston Celtics
,
Oklahoma City Thunder
and
Milwaukee Bucks
— posting almost a double-double in those games. Also during this stretch of success, he set or matched his career-highs in points, rebounds and blocks.
The biggest flaw in his game now is his ability to pick up unnecessary fouls. It is not uncommon to see Nurkic forced to the bench during one of his efficient bursts, due to foul trouble. Once he learns how to play defense and compete in the paint without fouling, the sky is the limit for the young Bosnian.
The more conservative fan may view Nurkic’ antics as immature, but I view it as something completely different — what the NBA has been missing. I applaud Nurkic for not only showing no fear and supreme confidence in himself, but also bringing back a certain element of playground basketball that all basketball fans can relate to.
Antics aside, it is clear that Yusuf Nurkic is here to stay. Better buy your jerseys now before they sell out — I definitely see one in my future.
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