Jusuf Nurkic discusses free agency, playoffs with HoopsHype

HoopsHype interviewed Jusuf Nurkic amidst Portland’s league-leading 12-game winning streak to discuss free agency, playoffs and several other topics.

Jusuf Nurkic is reviving ‘Nurk Fever’ with the Blazers’ 12-straight wins. Across the win-streak, he averages 14.3 points, 10.3 rebounds and 1.0 blocks on 52.8% shooting. Those stats are noticeably higher than his season averages, most notably the 4% jump in field goal percentage.

The defense is still there as well; Nurkic holds opponents to 55.8% shooting at the rim and has an individual defensive rating of 101.8, eighth best in the league.

HoopsHype Interview

Alex Kennedy of HoopsHype asked Jusuf Nurkic a few questions about the upcoming playoffs, free agency and more.

Nurk starts off by touting the scoring abilities of Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum. Attention goes to them on screens, leaving the Bosnian Beast free to cut to the hoop. He never had guards with such scoring potential in Denver and is certainly appreciative:

"“The game is definitely more simple when you have two guards like that…Also, everyone knows that they’re great players, but what’s even better is that they’re great people too. They care about others, they have great personalities and they’re just really humble men.”"

Next, Kennedy asks Nurkic where he ranks against other centers in the NBA. Capable of going toe-to-toe with any big man in the league, he answers the question in a very Portland-manner. Nurk doesn’t care which centers he’s “better” or “worse” than – he’s solely focused on winning. Like with the rest of the Blazers team, Jusuf Nurkic will sacrifice stats to maximize his benefit to the team.

More from Rip City Project

The two also discuss last year’s playoff disappointment and the Blazers’ current playoff situation. Nurkic missed all but 17 minutes of last postseason due to a fractured leg. Portland was therefore swept by the eventual champions in the first round.

This season, the Blazers sit alone at third place in a crowded Western Conference. Whoever the first round opponent ends up being, Portland will be grateful to have Jusuf Nurkic playing. His defensive presence and continuous improvement maintain consistency, especially during this 12-game win streak.

Finally, Kennedy brings up the city of Portland and upcoming free agency. Rest easy, Rip City. The Bosnian Beast likes it here. In reference to the fans, Nurk said,

"“The whole team has support from the fanbase, which is great…the fans always show up and support us, no matter what. At this point in the season, we’re glad the fans are happy. I’m glad to have them on our side!”"

Next: Blazers beat Pistons for 12th straight victory

He also enjoys the city of Portland, even the weather. Compared to his home, Portland’s weather is much more tolerable. (It’s 38 degrees with 100% humidity in Bosnia right now.)

As for free agency, Nurkic has his eyes on the playoffs, not the offseason. He understands the NBA as a business and will continue to ball to his best effort and “let everybody else do their job.”