If what has been circulated in some quarters on the internet is anything to go by, then Jusuf Nurkić is one of the basketball players who started their professional careers in the most interesting ways. As the story goes, a 7-foot policeman in Bosnia pulled over a staff of Cedevita, a Croatian team. The coach was immediately fascinated by the cop’s height and asked him if he has a son as tall as him and interested in playing basketball for a living. Jusuf, who was thriving as an amateur basketball player at that time happens to be the policeman’s son and the rest is history.
From Cedevita to Zadar, Denver Nuggets and at the international level, Jusuf has been able to set himself apart as one of a kind basketball player. This becomes apparent when one regards his career highlights and awards. Representing his country Bosnia and Herzegovina at the FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship in 2012, he emerged as the most valuable player (MVP). 2014 came and he again finished as the MVP at FIBA Europe Under-20 Championship. Also in 2014, Jusuf won the Croatian Cup, emerged as a champion of the Croatian League, and was honored as the MVP of the Croatian League finals. The next year after he joined NBA, he was named to the league’s All-Rookie Second Team.
Where Is Jusuf Nurkić Now?
Though he has not been active since the 25th of March 2019, Jusuf is yet to announce his retirement from the sport. And considering the fact that he only re-signed with the Portland Trail Blazers on the 6th of July 2018, the NBA star is still a player for the Blazers. When he resigned with the team, Neil Olshey the general manager pointed out that he has been a very impactful and valuable addition to the side. According to the manager, the team was excited about the prospect of having Jusuf make a long-term commitment to the Trail Blazers.
It was on the 13th of February 2017 that Nurkić joined the Blazers; along with the right for a 2017 first-round draft pick, he was traded by the Denver Nuggets for Mason Plumlee, a 2018 second-round pick and cash considerations. The Bosnian center player blazed for the Nuggets from 2014 to 2017. As it happened, the Chicago Bulls selected him with the 16th overall pick during the 2014 NBA draft and thereafter, traded him to Denver. Before he joined the NBA, he played for Cedevita and Zadar. While the former is based in Zagreb, Croatia; the latter is located in Zadar, still in Croatia.
What Happened To Him?
Anyone who is an avid follower of the sport shouldn’t be asking this question as the news of what happened to Jusuf Nurkić has been literally everywhere. On the 25th of March 2019 and in a game against the Brooklyn Nets, the Bosnian player suffered an injury that did not only rule him out for the rest of the season but also threatened his career.
The prolific forward sustained the injury that awkwardly twisted his leg while battling for an offensive rebound. While the fans chanted his name, Nurkić who was in serious pain with his leg immobilized was taking away on a stretcher and taken to a local hospital where he went through a surgery to fix the ugly injury on his lower left leg. It was later divulged that he suffered a compound fracture to his left tibia and fibula.
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Will Jusuf Nurkić Return To NBA?
As a result of the horrific injury he suffered, his fans and other concerned individuals have been wondering if the Blazer would ever get to play in the NBA again. The reason for this is not far-fetched: after he underwent surgery, it was announced that there is no expected return date for the 7-foot center player. Thankfully, it was also stated that Jusuf Nurkić is expected to make a full recovery.
He has been healing well since he had the surgery so it is only a matter of time. It may take a while but Jusuf will most likely return and blaze for Blazers.
