Jusuf Nurkic - Super Skilled Center 17/18

Jusuf Nurkić. Most people see the man they call the Bosnian Beast and believe he just bulldozes his way through everyone. Yes, Nurk needs no invitation to perpetually punish people in the post, but he also has the propensity to pick out the perfect pass. He plays with a fearsome physicality, and yet, he possesses quite a bit of finesse as well. He brilliantly balances the forcefulness of his bullish frame with a nimbleness not often seen in a man his size. Jusuf is usually utilized just about anywhere on the floor; whether it’s out of the post, off of the pick and roll, making the right reads from the top of the key or the elbows, running the floor, or dominating defensively, he is a tantalizing talent that has helped propel Portland to the playoffs each season he’s been there. Beginning at 14 years old, he went to as many as five practices per day at a boarding school in Slovenia, where he was participating in drills with guards, learning to be a point forward. He doesn’t average very many assists, but the willingness to MAKE the right play goes a long way in terms of team success. His terrific touch around the basket has always been evident, but what was uncorked in Rip City is his ability to make plays off the dribble. He sets punishing picks that allow the Blazers’ backcourt to bloom, and if you blitz, he’s good enough to quarterback most 4 on 3 situations. Leave him alone along the perimeter and he’s got enough range to make you pay. Plus, he’s not so secretly very strong, so when he puts a move on you, you’re just left in world of hurt (see Nikola Mirotic at 4:30). He averaged a career best year with 14.3 points per game, on 50.5% from the field, with 9.0 rebounds and 1.4 blocks in just 26.4 minutes per game. His per 36 minute numbers simply make you salivate: 19.5 points on 50.5% from the field, 12.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.9 blocks per game. It’s not hard to see why Trailblazers and KK Zadar fans continue to love the towering force from Tuzla: he is a fighter. What else would expect from the son of a police officer? He didn’t have to fight his way from his old clubs (Cedevita Zagreb and the Denver Nuggets); he simply asked, all because he believed he could make the most if given a better opportunity. Once freed from the shackles of a lack of coaching support, the fans found a player who truly values success, someone who is willing to sacrifice in order to take them further than otherwise possible alone. Basically, the Bosnian Beast will bring whatever it takes to the table to win. https://www.si.com/nba/2017/11/20/jus... http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/20...