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Portland Trail Blazers: Jusuf Nurkic, still one of the best center’s in the NBA

Stevie Cozens|
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - JULY 31: Jaren Jackson Jr. #13 of the Memphis Grizzlies defends Jusuf Nurkic #27 of the Portland Trail Blazers during the second half at The Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on July 31, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - JULY 31: Jaren Jackson Jr. #13 of the Memphis Grizzlies defends Jusuf Nurkic #27 of the Portland Trail Blazers during the second half at The Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on July 31, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

Jusuf Nurkic just played his first game for the Portland Trail Blazers since 2019. He instantly showed how he is still one of the best center’s in the NBA.

The Bosnian Beast is back. In a massive 33-minute stretch in the win over the Memphis Grizzlies, Portland Trail Blazers center Jusuf Nurkic showed why he will still be one of the best in the league at his position.

After 16 months away from the game, there were legitimate concerns about him returning to his best when he got back on the court. But tonight, in the first proper regular-season game, Nurkic was huge. Athletically he showed some excellent lift on a couple of dunks, and it looks like the weight he lost is helping him get up and down the court a little easier.

His playmaking at the big man position has been missed, while he provided numerous screen assists for teammates in the exciting win. Though he was a touch aggressive on defense, fouling out with 2 minutes to play in regulation, his six blocks showed that he had lost none of his excellent defensive positioning or smarts.

Before his injury, Nurkic was more of a rim protector than shot blocker because of his size and positioning. With the photos we have seen of his purported weight-loss and excellent conditioning, maybe shot-blocking will be more of a strength now.

He worked well in tandem with Zach Collins, who also returned from injury, both of the big men showing nice touch with assists to others, or screening up top for Damian Lillard or CJ McCollum.

It’s important to note that Nurkic also didn’t play significant minutes at the four next to Hassan Whiteside. Though we recently broke down why Coach Terry Stotts might have wanted to do this, seeing how Nurkic played tonight at his true position of center, we don’t want him to play at the four at all.

His combination with both Carmelo Anthony and Collins looked to be strong. Melo is a better power forward than small forward, but it was pleasing to see both Collins and him playing well with Nurk.

Though Nurk’s jump shot wasn’t dropping, he got to the line eight times, converting all of them. He will likely initiate more offense from the perimeter or elbow, than shoot threes, but it’s good to see him working on his shot regardless.

There aren’t a lot of real two-way centers in this league. Yes, Nurkic isn’t making threes yet, but he is at a level offensively and defensively that not a lot of other centers are. Karl-Anthony Towns is the best offensive center, and Rudy Gobert is the best defensive center, but there aren’t a lot who can do both to a commendable level.

His passing game, combined with his strength and ability around the rim make him such a handful for opposition defenses. He is an excellent rebounder on both ends and is one of only a few center’s who figures in both the top block and steal rates.

A fit Nurkic is a nightmare for opposition teams. He galvanizes this Blazers team, who are completely different with him in the lineup.