At a height of 2.13 meters, or seven feet, Jusuf Nurkić is a formidable presence that immediately draws attention on any basketball court. He is a powerful force close to the rim due to his sheer size, especially when paired with his remarkable wingspan and 132-kilogram frame. He is slightly taller than Mason Plumlee and remarkably similar to Deandre Ayton among his NBA peers, which gives him an advantage in rim protection situations as well as rebounding duels.
Resilience, strength, and an unwavering presence in the paint have been hallmarks of Nurkić’s career over the last ten years. He has established a role that is both stylistically based in traditional center dominance and incredibly effective by utilizing his height and strength. In addition to being statistically spectacular, his game with 31 rebounds in 2024 was a game-changing performance that significantly enhanced his reputation as a glass-cleaning machine. In addition to breaking the Suns’ franchise record for rebounds—which was previously held by Tyson Chandler—that one night demonstrated the ongoing significance of physical dominance in a game that is becoming more and more focused on speed and skill.
Jusuf thrived in a system that mainly relied on pick-and-rolls and half-court setups during his time in Portland because of his height. His ability to roll aggressively toward the rim gave him and his teammates easy scoring opportunities, and his high screens functioned as immovable walls. In January 2019, he recorded 24 points, 23 rebounds, 7 assists, 5 blocks, and 5 steals in a single game, setting a franchise record for an NBA 5×5 stat line. His ability to have a particularly significant impact both offensively and defensively was highlighted by this statistical anomaly.
Jusuf Nurkić Profile
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jusuf Nurkić |
| Date of Birth | August 23, 1994 |
| Birthplace | Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina |
| Height | 2.13 m / 7 ft 0 in |
| Weight | 290 lbs / 132 kg |
| Wingspan | 2.18 m |
| Position | Center |
| Current Team | Utah Jazz (NBA) |
| NBA Debut | October 29, 2014 (Denver Nuggets) |
| Draft Info | 2014, Round 1, Pick 16 by Chicago Bulls |
| Nationality | Bosnian |
| Former Teams | Denver Nuggets, Portland Trail Blazers, Phoenix Suns, Charlotte Hornets |
| National Team | Bosnia and Herzegovina |
| Notable Nicknames | The Bosnian Beast, The Bosnian Bear |
| Religion | Muslim |
| Reference | Jusuf Nurkić – Wikipedia |
The increased discussion of positionless basketball in recent years has put Jusuf’s height under even more scrutiny. Nurkić reminds coaches and analysts that there is still a place for physically dominant, grounded centers who dominate through physicality, even as many teams shift toward stretch fives and bigs who can spread the floor. Nurkić demonstrates that a 7-footer need not be restricted to the paint by making good use of his height rather than merely depending on it. He can also set sharp screens, dish out assists, and protect the rim with extremely effective timing.
Nurkic has maintained a commanding presence in every locker room he has entered during his NBA career, which has taken him from Denver to Portland, Phoenix, Charlotte, and now Utah. He recorded several double-doubles and even a game-winning floater against Chicago while playing for the Suns, demonstrating surprising efficiency even during rotational changes. Although his early 2025 move to the Hornets may have been viewed as a fresh start, his subsequent move to Utah repositioned him as a possible franchise anchor, particularly in a team environment that values traditional big men with physical prowess.
Nurkic’s height is especially advantageous because of the way he combines it with talent and experience. Nurkic is aware of timing, footwork, and spatial manipulation, in contrast to some centers that only consider size. He’s learned to know when to attack, when to pass, and when to take contact over time. When paired with his size, this astute strategy produces performances that are both explosive and grounded.
Nurkić has not been left behind by the industry’s trend toward versatility; on the contrary, it has strengthened his resilience. While many traditional bigs have relegated to backup roles, he has managed to stay relevant by making minor adjustments to his game each season. Considering the injuries he has sustained, his career average of 11.8 points and 8.8 rebounds per game is evidence of his steady output. His most recent playoff performances have been mature and steady; even in limited minutes, he averages almost a double-double.
Off the court, people frequently compare his height to that of his father, Hariz Nurkić, a Bosnian police officer who is said to be the same height but much heavier. Interviews narrate this family history, which gives Nurkic’s character an almost legendary quality. It’s intriguing to note that his younger brother, who is already displaying athletic potential, may soon follow in his big brother’s footsteps, possibly adding another chapter to this unusually tall family history.
In terms of leadership and defensive commitment, Nurkic has remained incredibly dependable despite all of his trades and injuries. His teammates frequently characterize him as a thoughtful and grounded individual who uplifts the team while firmly establishing the defense. His raw, grounded dominance is incredibly durable, even though he lacks the flair of a high-flying forward or the fluid shooting stroke of a stretch big.
