Nurkić Down: Huge Injury Calls for Reinforcements

Mar 28, 2017; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers center Jusuf Nurkic (27) reacts after scoring against the Denver Nuggets during the fourth quarter at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 28, 2017; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers center Jusuf Nurkic (27) reacts after scoring against the Denver Nuggets during the fourth quarter at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports
3 of 3
Nov 11, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Meyers Leonard (11) celebrates Portland’s 122-120 win over Sacramento Kings in overtime at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 11, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Meyers Leonard (11) celebrates Portland’s 122-120 win over Sacramento Kings in overtime at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports

Could Meyers Leonard Step Up to the Occasion?

Say what you want about Meyers Leonard, but he’s got heart.

Heart isn’t something you can teach or train in someone. Heart is what some of the best have that gives them an edge.

Leonard wants it more than anyone:

Heart doesn’t make a player, and Leonard does have his shortcomings. He has never played a full season. His 50-40-90 season—technically he didn’t reach the minimum numbers for it to count, though—seems more like an outlier compared to others.

But his biggest knock would be that he’s seven feet and not a post player. He makes his mark from the outside, which would be okay for a 6’3” guard, but as a 7’1” forward he is easily criticized.

Yet, specialists are supposed to be great in their specialty; this season he has shot only 34.9% from three.

I still have hope for Leonard to turnaround despite all of that. In the 2014-15 playoffs he shot 76.9% from three-point range. 76.9%! He battled with Zach Randolph providing some great moments. And this season he continued his weird rivalry with DeMarcus Cousins.

Whenever Leonard steps out on the court, Blazer fans should know that he’s leaving it all out there. He may be the x-factor to save the season.

And the Blazers need his all to compete down the regular season stretch, and beyond.

More from Rip City Project