11. Jusuf Nurkic
This was supposed to be Jusuf Nurkic‘s big coming out party, but the emergence of Nikola Jokic and Joffrey Lauvergne has relegated him to a few DNP-CDs lately as the last big in the rotation. However, aside from concerns about his injury-proneness, Nurkic is a physical interior presence that other teams should keep an eye on moving forward.
Nurkic has become all but expendable for the Denver Nuggets, who would be wise to cash in on his value and deal him for a future draft pick or an asset at a position of need. But the Bosnian Bear could certainly help a few other teams around the league, even if his season numbers (6.5 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 13.5 MPG, 37.7 FG%) are pretty ugly.
Last season, Nurkic averaged 6.9 points and 6.2 rebounds per game, posting 9.1 points and 9.4 rebounds per game in the month of February before injuries hindered the remainder of his rookie campaign. At only 21 years old, Nurkic has the brute strength and intensity to warrant other teams’ attention, even if Jokic’s arrival has stolen some of his thunder.
#Nuggets C Jusuf Nurkic will see an increase in playing time, coach Michael Malone said today. Here's why https://t.co/HslcC27zfQ
— Chris Dempsey (@chrisadempsey) March 12, 2016
Next: No. 10