Early Impressions Part 2: Jusuf Nurkic Making Impact in Rip City

While on Denver, Nurkic registered nine DNPs this season and fell out of rotation. His career hits the reset button in the City of Roses.

A long year ago, in a city a few states away, Jusuf Nurkic flashed signs of holding down the center spot in Denver, en route to a 2014-15 All-Rookie Second Team selection.

The 7 ft., 280-lb big man used his burly body to bully his way into the lane, where he could use a hook shot or drop step to lay in easy buckets.

However, Nurkic fell out of rotation.

Part of his falling out was alleged pouting when things didn’t go his way; part of it was the emergence of Nikola Jokic as yet another basketball unicorn.

His arrival in Portland allows for a new start to a potential-filled center. Let’s check in on how his first games have gone in PDX.

Feb 15, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Portland Trail Blazers center Jusuf Nurkic (27) looks to drive to the basket against Utah Jazz forward Derrick Favors (15) int he second quarter at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports /

Rip City is Excited

In his first game for the Blazers, Nurkic came off the bench to add 13 points (on 5-5 shooting) and seven rebounds.

Portland did drop the game to the Jazz, yet Nurkic posted a plus-minus of +18, showing he had a positive impact anytime he stepped on the floor. He even flashed some passing skills a la Mason Plumlee.

In the next game for the Blazers, Nurkic earned his Bosnian Beast nickname. Getting the start at center, he dropped 12 points with 12 rebounds and five assists to aid the Blazers in a comeback win over the Magic.

Nurkic displayed an authority over the paint that let him get his way to the rim on offense, and gobble up boards on the defensive end.

He was part of the closeout squad that included Damian Lillard, C.J. McCollum, Shabazz Napier (yes, you read that right) and Moe Harkless who sealed the win.

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Best of all, he is happy and having fun, two things he lost in Denver—it is easy to play hard when you’re inspired to do so by your teammates.

Nurkic hasn’t played with anyone as good and as leader-like than Lillard. The star will certainly push the young center, but only to tap into his potential.

With other backcourt star McCollum, the two have an outlet in the post finally via Nurkic. He will see increased touches as the guards learn his habits and vice versa.

The Bosnia Bear presents a low-post threat that has been missing in Portland for years, and behind motivated play, he can carve out a long stay with the Blazers.