History of Jusuf Nurkić in Timeline

Jusuf Nurkić, the "Bosnian Beast", is a Bosnian professional basketball player currently with the Utah Jazz of the NBA. Drafted 16th overall by the Chicago Bulls in 2014 (traded to Denver Nuggets on draft night), he has also played for the Portland Trail Blazers, Phoenix Suns and the Charlotte Hornets. He is also a member of the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1944: Meštrović Pavilion Converted into Mosque

In 1944, the Meštrović Pavilion was converted into a mosque by the Ustaše regime in the Independent State of Croatia, a Nazi puppet state established in occupied Yugoslavia. This historical event became the center of controversy when Nurkic tweeted an image of it on April 12, 2021.

2012: MVP of FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship Division B

In 2012, Jusuf Nurkić was named MVP of the FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship Division B while playing for Bosnia and Herzegovina. He averaged 19.4 points and 13.3 rebounds per game.

2013: FIBA EuroBasket 2013 qualification

In 2013, Jusuf Nurkić played a minor role in the senior team of Bosnia and Herzegovina during the FIBA EuroBasket 2013 qualification, but did not make the squad for the final tournament due to a conflict with the Bosnian National Basketball Association board.

June 2014: Drafted by Chicago Bulls and Traded to Denver Nuggets

On June 26, 2014, Jusuf Nurkić was selected by the Chicago Bulls as the 16th overall pick in the NBA draft and was subsequently traded to the Denver Nuggets on the same night.

2014: MVP of FIBA Europe Under-20 Championship Division B

In 2014, Jusuf Nurkić was named MVP of the FIBA Europe Under-20 Championship Division B. He averaged 21.4 points and 12.0 rebounds per game.

2017: Eurobasket 2017 qualification

In 2017, Jusuf Nurkić represented the senior Bosnia and Herzegovina national basketball team during Eurobasket 2017 qualification, averaging 19.2 points, 13.5 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game.

April 2021: Controversial Tweet

On 12 April 2021, Jusuf Nurkić sparked controversy in former Yugoslavia after marking the beginning of Ramadan by tweeting an image of the Meštrović Pavilion in 1944, when it was converted into a mosque by the Ustaše regime in the Independent State of Croatia.

July 2022: Re-signed with the Trail Blazers

On July 6, 2022, Jusuf Nurkić re-signed with the Portland Trail Blazers, securing a four-year contract worth $70 million.

2022: EuroBasket 2022

At EuroBasket 2022, Jusuf Nurkić represented Bosnia and Herzegovina, where the team was eliminated in the group stage. He helped his country secure a 97–93 win against the defending champions Slovenia. Nurkić averaged 16.2 points and 7.0 rebounds over the tournament.

September 2023: Traded to the Phoenix Suns

On September 27, 2023, Jusuf Nurkić, along with Grayson Allen, Nassir Little, and Keon Johnson, was traded to the Phoenix Suns as part of a three-team trade.

March 2024: Career-High 31 Rebounds

On March 3, 2024, Jusuf Nurkić achieved a career-high of 31 rebounds in a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, also scoring 14 points. This was the most rebounds recorded by a player in a game since 2010 and broke the Suns franchise record.

December 2024: Suspended for three games

On December 28, 2024, Jusuf Nurkić received a three-game suspension without pay due to an altercation involving Naji Marshall and P.J. Washington during a game against the Dallas Mavericks.

February 2025: Traded to Charlotte Hornets

On February 6, 2025, Jusuf Nurkić was traded to the Charlotte Hornets along with a 2026 first-round draft pick in exchange for Cody Martin, Vasilije Micić, and a 2026 second-round draft pick.