Portland Trail Blazers: Biggest strengths and weaknesses for 2017-18

Strength: A re-formed Nurkic gives team a new dimension

Jusuf Nurkic had been crowded out of the Denver Nuggets‘ rotation by the impressive play of Nikola Jokic. Meanwhile, the Blazers had hit a ceiling with facilitating big man Mason Plumlee starting in the middle. The February trade that brought “Nurk” to Portland was a necessary move for both sides.

Nurkic brought a new dimension to a team that had gone stagnant. He still passed well for a big, averaging 3.2 assists per game in Portland. However, he was also a highly effective pick-and-roll man with a serviceable post-up game. Nurkic also proved to be a good rim protector, averaging 1.9 blocks per game as a Blazer. Portland went 14-6 in the games that Nurkic played.

However, that progress was sidetracked by a right leg fracture that occurred in a Mar. 30 win over the Rockets. Though Nurkic was engaged in his role and brought a lot of value, he still arrived in Portland out of shape.

Nurkic has been dedicating this summer to recovering from his injury and getting his body back in order. A fit Nurkic with his talent and a better understanding of the offense could mean trouble for a lot of opposing bigs this year.