Jusuf Nurkic: a talented center anchoring the Suns’ interior
Jusuf Nurkic is without a doubt a talent to be reckoned with in the NBA. He is a 6-foot-11 center, formerly of the Denver Nuggets and now with the Phoenix Suns, who brings an impressive set of skills, as well as a physicality and toughness to the center position. It’s his physicality and toughness that have made him such an impact player, but he needs to stay on the court more if he wants to keep making such an impact.
The former Nuggets big-man was acquired by the Suns back in February as part of a three-team trade that involved the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Miami Heat. Since joining the Suns, the Bosnian native has brought his physical presence and unique skill set to the team, making an immediate impact with his ability to play both ends of the court — and his tenacious defense. Despite his impact, however, Nurkic has also been hampered by foul trouble, which has forced him to sit out for significant portions of games.
In order to stay on the floor and make a consistent impact for his team, Nurkic knows that he needs to cut down on his fouls. During an interview prior to the start of the 2021-22 season, he recently said that he has been trying hard to limit his fouls, which he believes “hurt my team more than anything else.”
The Suns big-man went on to explain that while he knows he needs to stay out of foul trouble, he also needs to continue to be aggressive and not let his opponents push him around. “I just need to stay in the game,” he said. “I need to stay tough without fouling.”
The Suns have high hopes for Nurkic and their interior presence this season. The team is expected to be a legitimate contender in the Western Conference, and they are counting on Nurkic to be a major factor in their success.
Nurkic seems to be up for the challenge, having recently said that he believes he can “guard any position in the NBA” and he “wants to prove it”. As long as he can stay on the floor, there is no doubt that Nurkic will be a major part of the Suns’ success.
But for now, it is all about staying out of foul trouble and making sure that Nurkic is on the floor when it matters most. He knows what he needs to do, and he is determined to make an impact and help the Suns reach their goals this season.
Jusuf Nurkic is an exciting talent and a major asset for the Phoenix Suns. He brings physicality and toughness to the court, and with a bit of discipline on the defensive end, he can be a difference-maker on a talented Suns team. Nurkic knows the importance of staying out of foul trouble, and he is determined to make an impact and help his team succeed this season.
