Career Timeline of Jusuf Nurkić: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Jusuf Nurkić, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Jusuf Nurkić is a Bosnian professional basketball player currently playing for the Charlotte Hornets in the NBA. Drafted 16th overall by the Chicago Bulls in 2014, he was immediately traded to the Denver Nuggets. He has since played for the Portland Trail Blazers and the Phoenix Suns. Nurkić also represents the Bosnia and Herzegovina national basketball team in international competitions. His NBA career has spanned several teams, establishing him as a notable player.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1973: Steals and Blocks Official Recording

On 1 January 2019, Nurkić logged a career-high 23 rebounds in a 113–108 overtime win against the Sacramento Kings, while also putting up an impressive stat line of 24 points, seven assists, five blocks, and five steals in that game. This performance marked a historic milestone, as it was the first ever game since the official recording of steals and blocks in 1973, where a player achieved 20+ points, 20+ rebounds, 5+ assists, 5+ blocks, and 5+ steals for an official 5x5.

November 1986: Charles Barkley Feat

On 9 March 2017, Nurkić matched a feat last achieved by Charles Barkley in November 1986, recording at least 28 points, 20 rebounds, eight assists, and six blocks in a single game.

2010: Career-High Rebounds

On 3 March 2024, Jusuf Nurkić recorded a career-high 31 rebounds alongside 14 points in a loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, marking the most rebounds in a game by a player since 2010 and breaking the Suns franchise record.

February 2012: Loan to Union Olimpija

In February 2012, Nurkić was briefly loaned to Union Olimpija to play in the Nike International Junior Tournament, where he averaged 18.8 points and 11.0 rebounds in five games, attracting international attention.

October 2012: Signed with Cedevita Zagreb

In October 2012, after training with Cedevita, Nurkić signed a contract with Cedevita Zagreb to play professionally.

January 2013: Loaned to Zadar

In January 2013, Nurkić was loaned to Zadar, hoping for more playing time.

June 2014: Drafted by Chicago Bulls

On 26 June 2014, Jusuf Nurkić was selected by the Chicago Bulls with the 16th overall pick in the 2014 NBA draft.

July 2014: Signed with Denver Nuggets

On 31 July 2014, Nurkić signed his rookie scale contract with the Denver Nuggets after being traded on draft night.

October 2014: NBA Debut

On 29 October 2014, Jusuf Nurkić made his NBA debut with the Denver Nuggets, recording five points and seven rebounds in a victory against the Detroit Pistons.

2014: NBA Draft and Trade to Nuggets

In 2014, Jusuf Nurkić was selected by the Chicago Bulls with the 16th overall pick in the NBA draft and was subsequently traded to the Denver Nuggets on draft night.

January 2015: First Career Double-Double

In January 2015, Jusuf Nurkić recorded his first career double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds in a game against the Chicago Bulls. He then recorded his second double-double shortly after, with 11 points, 10 rebounds, and five blocks against the Memphis Grizzlies.

October 2015: Nuggets Exercised Third-Year Option

In October 2015, the Nuggets exercised their third-year team option on Nurkić's rookie scale contract, extending it through the 2016-17 season.

April 2016: Trade Request

In April 2016, Jusuf Nurkic requested to be traded from the Denver Nuggets.

October 2016: Career High Points

In October 2016, Nurkić set a new career high with 23 points in a game against the New Orleans Pelicans.

December 2016: Second Trade Request

In December 2016, Jusuf Nurkic requested to be traded a second time from the Denver Nuggets.

February 2017: Trail Blazers Debut

In February 2017, Jusuf Nurkić debuted for the Portland Trail Blazers, recording 13 points and seven rebounds against the Utah Jazz. Later in February, he made his first start for the team, achieving a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds against the Orlando Magic.

February 2017: Traded to Portland Trail Blazers

On 13 February 2017, Nurkić was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers along with a first round draft pick in exchange for Mason Plumlee, a 2018 second round pick, and cash considerations.

March 2017: Career Highs and Injury

In March 2017, Jusuf Nurkić achieved a career-high 28 points and 20 rebounds in a game against the Philadelphia 76ers, along with eight assists and six blocks. Later in March, he set a new career high with 33 points against his former team, the Denver Nuggets. However, he was then ruled out for the rest of the regular season due to a fracture in his right leg.

April 2017: Playoff Return and Elimination

In April 2017, Jusuf Nurkić returned to action in Game 3 of the Trail Blazers' first-round playoff series against the Golden State Warriors, finishing with two points and 11 rebounds. He missed Game 4, and the Trail Blazers were eliminated from the playoffs.

November 2017: 29 Points and 15 Rebounds vs Nets

On 24 November 2017, Nurkić recorded 29 points and 15 rebounds in a 127–125 victory over the Brooklyn Nets.

2017: Eurobasket Qualification

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

January 2018: 19 Points and 17 Rebounds vs Pacers

On 18 January 2018, Nurkić had 19 points and a season-high 17 rebounds in a 100–86 victory over the Indiana Pacers.

April 2018: Playoff Loss to Nuggets

In April 2018, Nurkić recorded 20 points and 19 rebounds in an 88–82 loss to the Nuggets. In Game 4 of the Trail Blazers' first-round playoff series against the New Orleans Pelicans, Nurkić had 18 points and 11 rebounds in a 131–123 loss. The loss eliminated Portland from the playoffs, as they lost the series in a four-game sweep.

July 2018: Re-signed with Trail Blazers

On 6 July 2018, Jusuf Nurkić re-signed with the Portland Trail Blazers.

October 2018: 22 Points and 18 Rebounds vs Wizards

On 22 October 2018, Nurkić recorded 22 points and 18 rebounds in a 125–124 overtime loss to the Washington Wizards.

November 2018: 13 points, 14 rebounds, and 8 assists vs. Wizards

On 18 November 2018, Nurkić had 13 points, 14 rebounds, and matched his career high with eight assists in a 119–109 victory over the Wizards.

2018: Draft Pick

On 13 February 2017, Nurkić was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers along with the rights to the Memphis Grizzlies' 2017 first round draft pick in exchange for Mason Plumlee, a 2018 second round pick and cash considerations.

January 2019: Career-High Rebounds and Near 5x5 Game

In January 2019, Jusuf Nurkić logged a career-high 23 rebounds and came close to an official 5x5 game with 24 points, seven assists, five blocks, and five steals against the Sacramento Kings. He recorded his first career triple-double with 10 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in a victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers later in January.

July 2020: Return to Play After Suspension

On 31 July 2020, Nurkić made his return to the court after the NBA season suspension, recording 18 points, nine rebounds, and six blocks in a victory against the Memphis Grizzlies.

March 2021: Return from Wrist Injury

On 26 March 2021, Nurkić returned from his wrist injury, recording eight points and eight rebounds in a victory over the Orlando Magic.

April 2021: Season-High Points

In April 2021, Jusuf Nurkić logged a season-high 26 points in a game against the Memphis Grizzlies.

July 2022: Re-signed with Trail Blazers

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

2022: EuroBasket 2022

In 2022, Jusuf Nurkić represented Bosnia and Herzegovina at EuroBasket 2022. The team was eliminated in the group stage. Nurkić helped his country get a shock win, 97–93, against the defending champions Slovenia, averaging 16.2 points and 7.0 rebounds over the tournament.

September 2023: Traded to Phoenix Suns

In September 2023, Jusuf Nurkić was traded to the Phoenix Suns as part of a three-team trade.

March 2024: Career-High Rebounds

February 2025: Traded to Charlotte Hornets

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

2026: Draft Pick

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

2029: First-round Draft Pick

Nurkić was traded to the Phoenix Suns as part of a three-team trade that sent Damian Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks and Jrue Holiday, Deandre Ayton, Toumani Camara and a 2029 first-round draft pick to the Trail Blazers.