There hasn’t been much for Charlotte Hornets fans to be optimistic about this season. Following a humiliating 141-88 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, the team sits at 14-41, struggling to find momentum. However, one bright spot has emerged—the play of newly acquired center Jusuf Nurkić.
Nurkić arrived in Charlotte at the trade deadline after falling out of favor with Phoenix Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer. The Suns, having recently acquired Nick Richards from the Hornets in January, circled back to make another deal. Since joining Charlotte, Nurkić has performed well, raising questions about his long-term fit with the team.
What has Nurkić done on the court to generate intrigue among Hornets fans? Could his veteran presence and skill set help the franchise turn things around? And most importantly, does he deserve to stay beyond this season?
Nurkić The Veteran
If this season has shown anything, it’s the value of veteran leadership—look at the Detroit Pistons’ resurgence. The Hornets now have three players with at least a decade of NBA experience: Nurkić, Seth Curry, and Taj Gibson. While Nurkic’s production wasn’t enough for the Suns to keep him, his brief time in Charlotte has raised intriguing questions about his potential impact.
In four games (two starts) with the Hornets, Nurkić is averaging 7.3 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 5.0 assists in just 17.3 minutes per game. He’s also contributing defensively with 1.0 steals and 1.3 blocks per game. His ability to facilitate from the post and create opportunities for teammates adds an element that Charlotte’s offense has lacked. With his size and passing instincts, he can function as a secondary playmaker, easing the burden on the team’s guards while helping to orchestrate the offense.
Beyond the numbers, Nurkic’s leadership and experience could be invaluable for the Hornets’ young core. Players like Tidjane Salaün and Mark Williams can benefit from his veteran presence, learning the nuances of NBA-level physicality, positioning, and defensive communication. Additionally, his ability to mentor younger big men could prove crucial as the Hornets navigates its rebuild.
Nurkić The Playmaker
Watching Nurkić as a playmaker should give head coach Charles Lee an intriguing perspective on the Hornets’ offensive potential. With the ball in his hands, Nurkić can relieve pressure from the team’s guards, allowing them to focus more on scoring than facilitating.
Beyond his playmaking, Nurkic’s experience and skill set could provide much-needed stability in the front court. His ability to pass out of the post, set strong screens, and make smart decisions could help unlock better offensive flow, especially for younger players still developing their games. If Nurkić remains effective, the Hornets must keep him as a veteran leader or seek a younger, long-term option.
In Conclusion
While the Hornets’ season has been filled with struggles, Jusuf Nurkic’s arrival provides an interesting subplot. His play making, rebounding, and defensive presence have already impacted in limited minutes, and his veteran leadership could be valuable for a young team looking to establish an identity.
As the Hornets evaluate their long-term plans, Nurkić’s role will be a key question. Can he be a foundational piece in the team’s rebuilding, or is he simply a short-term stopgap? Nurkić’s season performance will decide if the Hornets keep him or pursue other options to reshape their roster.
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