Trail Blazers center Jusuf Nurkic, who exited Wednesday’s game early in the first quarter after aggravating a left calf injury, has been diagnosed with a calf strain and ruled out for at least the next seven games. The team announced today in a press release that Nurkic is expected to return after the All-Star break.
After re-signing with Portland during the offseason on a new four-year, $70MM deal, Nurkic has averaged 13.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per night with a .524/.390/.686 shooting line in 45 games (27.3 MPG).
While Nurkic’s stats are solid and the Blazers have a positive net rating with him on the court, Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer argued earlier this week that the veteran center has been a weak link for the team this season due to his inconsistent effort, as well as his lack of quickness and verticality on defense.
With Nurkic sidelined for the last two weeks before the All-Star break, the Blazers will get a chance to assess what they look like without him. Reserve center Drew Eubanks is a good bet to slide into the starting lineup, while Trendon Watford will likely see a bump in minutes backing up Eubanks at the five.
In more positive Blazers injury news, the club has announced (via Twitter) that Jerami Grant, who left Wednesday’s game early due to concussion symptoms, has been upgraded to available for Friday’s game in Washington.
Blazers should absolutely look into Mo Bamba. He’s a better defender than anyone they have on their roster, a good bet to post a high FG% from anywhere on the floor, and he’s used to playing off-ball. Nurkic is a good center, but he’s not a great defender and he’s only going to get worse as time passes. If they can trade Nurk and get some wing help for him, that would be ideal.
Bamba is just a spoiled punk
Eubanks is the future in Portland.
Nurkic injury could prompt Portland to pull a trigger sooner than later. Portland is so shorthanded defensively in the front court they can’t afford to sit Nurkic, and give up too many games if they are serious about the playoffs.