Offensive Game
Physical scorer in the post. Can put the ball on the floor, hit mid-range jumpers, and punish smaller centers. Shot-making has improved year over year.
Career Journey
Portland Trail Blazers
2012-2015
Denver Nuggets
2015-2020
Portland Trail Blazers
2020-2024
Golden State Warriors
2024-2025
Utah Jazz
2025-present
Bosnian Star
Born in Bosnia — one of top Bosnian NBA players
20/10 Big Man
Multiple seasons averaging double-double
Physical Center
Known for rebounding, passing, and physical post play
Career Earnings
~$145M
Estimated total NBA career salary
| Season | GP | PPG | RPG | APG | FG% | 3P% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-26 | 41 | 10.9 | 10.4 | 4.8 | 50.3% | 35.2% |
Nurkić was born in Živinice and was already dominant as a teenager — 21.4 points, 12.0 rebounds and 2.6 blocks at the 2014 U-20 European Championship Division B, where he won the title and tournament MVP for Bosnia and Herzegovina. The NBA version has been a skilled passing centre with a double-double baseline: in 2025-26 he averaged 10.9 points, 10.4 rebounds and 4.8 assists in 26.4 minutes for Utah, starting 36 of the 41 games he played before nasal surgery ended his season. He signed a two-year, $22 million deal with the Jazz in June 2026. A centre who rebounds in double figures and passes like a guard is a specific and increasingly scarce archetype.
Offensive Game
Physical scorer in the post. Can put the ball on the floor, hit mid-range jumpers, and punish smaller centers. Shot-making has improved year over year.
Defensive Game
Tough interior defender who uses body and strength effectively. Not an elite rim protector but holds his ground against most bigs.
Intangibles
Highly intelligent player who understands positioning, spacing, and where his value lies in any given system. Veteran savvy translates directly on both ends.
Off the Court
Humanitarian work in Bosnia
Did You Know?
Born in Tuzla, Bosnia — he grew up watching the NBA from Eastern Europe and earned his way there.
His nickname 'The Bosnian Beast' captures both his physical style of play and his European identity.
Underwent major surgeries at various points in his career that would have ended lesser players — his perseverance is part of his story.
One of the best passing centers in the NBA — his court vision for a big man is a legitimate differentiator.
Career Honors
Multiple All-Defensive considerations
Utah Jazz · Official
59.99
Check Price on NBA StoreAffiliate link · Disclosure
97.50
Check Price on NBA StoreAffiliate link · Disclosure
311.99
Check Price on NBA StoreAffiliate link · Disclosure
93.74
Check Price on NBA StoreAffiliate link · Disclosure
Shop · Worldwide
This page contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Utah Jazz
Utah Jazz
Subscribe for in-depth player analysis and stat breakdowns delivered to your inbox.
