Portland Trail Blazers center Jusuf Nurkic has been practicing with the team lately and shooting guard CJ McCollum likes what he sees.
McCollum says Nurkic “looks great” in practice and can't wait for the talented big man to rejoin the Blazers on the floor when the games matter:
“It’s like old times, it was fun,” McCollum said, via NBC Sports Northwest. “Still got good chemistry. Good to see him getting up and down the court, getting hit, getting fouled, blocking shots, making the right reads, he sets some good screens.
“It’s good to see him out there, because I feel like I can feel the excitement from him being able to get back out there playing after so long. I know the process is tedious. I haven’t been through what he's been through but It’s a lonely road. No one knows what it’s like to go through rehabbing by yourself, being by yourself and not traveling. For him to be around, it’s great.
“He looks great. But it’s moreso ‘feel' than anything. I always tell him, take your time. No one knows when you’re ready, but you. It’s your body. No one has to rehab when you get hurt. No one has to live with what you have to live with, So make sure you’re ready mentally and when you are, you will know.”
Nurkic had a great regular season for the Blazers in 2018-19 before he got hurt. The 7-footer averaged 15.6 points, 10.4 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.4 blocks while shooting 50.8 percent from the field and 77.3 percent from the free-throw line. The 25-year-old recorded 36 double-doubles and one triple-double. The Blazers were 45-27 when Nurkic was in the lineup.
Many believe Portland could have competed better with the Golden State Warriors in the 2019 Western Conference Finals if Nurkic was playing. Without DeMarcus Cousins, the Warriors didn’t have anyone who could have given Nurkic problems in the post. It’s unfortunate Nurkic had to suffer the serious injury which he did, but everyone knows he’s going to come back motivated.
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