The Jazz raised eyebrows over the summer by attaching a second-round pick to Collin Sexton in a deal for Jusuf Nurkic, but that move has aged better than expected.
After Walker Kessler’s season-ending shoulder injury, Nurkic stepped into a larger role, starting 24 games and averaging just over 25 minutes per night.
His physicality, screening, and interior presence have helped stabilize the rotation and given Utah a different kind of edge.
Head coach Will Hardy has praised the way Nurkic creates advantages on the floor, particularly through his strength, rebounding, and ability to free up teammates.
Those contributions have helped the Jazz stay competitive despite roster challenges, and his impact has been felt well beyond the box score.
The situation also marks a shift in tone for Nurkic compared to previous stops. After openly expressing frustration in the past, he has sounded genuinely comfortable in Utah.
He recently spoke about how supported he feels within the organization, saying, “I can’t really stress enough how this organization is good.”
He also emphasized the environment around the team, adding, “This is such a great environment, and you have everything you need to succeed.”
Jusuf Nurkic has been a valuable addition in Utah, plus more on the Jazz. https://t.co/C5s7xQgw8V
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) January 1, 2026
