What a difference - Bear Nurkic making a BIG impression

[Boob-No-More]

Nurk fan club like stats

And, I didn't even know I had a Twitter account! Man, this new technology is something else.

By Ben Golliver...

BNM

 

[KeepOnRollin]

Respectfully disagree. Most people have hated Meyers since he was first drafted - or at least well before he got his current contract.

How do we quantify most? More than 50%? I don't see that. So I don't agree with most in this case. But I can only talk for myself. I haven't hated on him until this season. Of course there are a small (vocal) minority who have hated the pick of him from the beginning so maybe it just seems like most.

 

[Boob-No-More]

How do we quantify most? More than 50%? I don't disagree. But I can only talk for myself. I haven't hated on him until this season. Of course there are a small (vocal) minority who have hated the pick of him from the beginning.

And have been absolutely ecstatic to see him fail.

I never understood that mentality, that someone would rather be "right" on an anonymous message board than see every player on their favorite team succeed.

BNM

 

[KeepOnRollin]

And have been absolutely ecstatic to see him fail.

I never understood that mentality, that someone would rather be "right" on an anonymous message board than see every player on their favorite team succeed.

BNM

Agreed with your emphasis. I meant don't agree on my stat though. Editing now...

 

[blue9]

How do we quantify most? More than 50%? I don't see that. So I don't agree with most in this case. But I can only talk for myself. I haven't hated on him until this season. Of course there are a small (vocal) minority who have hated the pick of him from the beginning so maybe it just seems like most.

I'm right there with ya - I only gave up on him this season. And I still think there's a possibility that another coach can make a player out of him - but it's not going to happen with Terry/Blazers.

 

[Blazers Roy]

In the picture: a local salesman meets with the godfather

 

[BBert]

Last night was the first time since last Halloween that Jusuf Nurkic has played more than 30 minutes in a game.

It was also his first double:double since before Thanksgiving and only the second time since before Thanksgiving that he's had at least 12 FGA in a game.

No wonder he's happy to be here!

It was only the third time all season he's played more than 29 minutes in a game, but in those 3 games, he's averaging 13 PTS, 14.7 REB, 3.3 AST, 1.3 STL and 3.0 BLK.

Free the Nurk! Feed the Beast!!!

BNM

Someone posted somewhere about how liberating it is sometimes for a player to be given the keys and told to drive. Hopefully Nurkic is a guy who will play with gusto knowing it's his job and his minutes, and he'll take full advantage. As for the claims of the Denver fans about his pouting: He's young, and he wants to play. He'll figure it out.

 

[riverman]

In the picture: a local salesman meets with the godfather

Neil's hands look so tiny

 

[riverman]

Someone posted somewhere about how liberating it is sometimes for a player to be given the keys and told to drive. Hopefully Nurkic is a guy who will play with gusto knowing it's his job and his minutes, and he'll take full advantage. As for the claims of the Denver fans about his pouting: He's young, and he wants to play. He'll figure it out.

I think Nurk said it all.....this place is fun! Haven't had fun for two years....glad to have fun again!

 

[SIeepwalker]

Meyers was bashed mercilessly for the first four years of his career, even when he was making less than Noah is now. The new contract has made Meyers an easy target, but he's always been a target regardless of his pay grade.

BNM

Well, his punchable face might also be a factor

 

[Mediocre Man]

And have been absolutely ecstatic to see him fail.

I never understood that mentality, that someone would rather be "right" on an anonymous message board than see every player on their favorite team succeed.

BNM

I know it's still very early in Nurk's Blazers career - and thus my Nurk Watching career - but I'd like to revise my previous Sabas/Duck hybrid comparison and go for an even more outlandish hybrid comp: Sabas/Shaq!

The reason I bring up Shaq is because of his combination of size and agility. Shaq has surprising quickness, and those spin moves that Nurk is doing reminds me of both the power and quickness that Shaq displayed mid-career. Shaq was also a pretty good passer, and I think Nurk's passing is more in keeping with Shaq's abilities rather than Sabas: God of Passing.

Nurk isn't as powerful as Shaq - but he's also not allowed to use/abuse his power the was Shaq was. I'd be interested to see what he'd be able to do if he were allowed the freedom Shaq had!

You've gone too far. Shaq seems like he was quite a bit more athletic than Nurk

 

[bodyman5000 and 1]

You've gone too far. Shaq seems like he was quite a bit more athletic than Nurk

Shaq was a giant version of a great athlete. Not just a super tall guy. Nurkic seems to mobile and coordinated for a giant. Not the same thing, but Nurkic is a better shooter already.

 

[SIeepwalker]

Nurk is a fusion of Shaq, Russel, Olajuwon, Duncan and Wilt !!!! :MARIS61::MARIS61:

 

[TBpup]

Nurk is a fusion of Shad, Russel, Olajuwon, Duncan and Wilt !!!! :MARIS61::MARIS61:

What....no JaVale McGee?

 

[Scalma]

It's been what 3-4 games, but I will make a case that Nurk is the second most valuable player on this roster, behind Lillard, for really one reason; he makes everyone around him better.

He makes Dame and CJ better by clearing lanes. I've seen more open driving lanes the past week than I have the past two seasons. Once teams catch on that he can also hit jumpers, you'll see opposing centers come out to guard him, clearing even more space. Drummond did a couple times last night.

He's also a huge threat on pick and rolls. He's already developing chemistry with Dame on this play. He almost always makes the right read when he catches the ball as well, and his vision allows guys like Crabbe and Harkless to get wide open looks. Crabbe should play more with Nurk. Seems like those two have something going.

We can run the offense through him at the top of the key like we did with Plumlee. Pulls the opposing center away from the basket and allows Harkless to post up. Harkless is usually guarded by the other teams worst defender, so this will more often than not be a mismatch in Harkless' favor.

Nurks post up game. This area is a bit raw because he tends to rush his shot from time to time, but it's clear that he can get to his spot against literally any big in the league. Not only get to his spot, but make other centers look really small while doing it. Once the game slows down for him in this area, he will be unstoppable.

His defensive presence. I've seen just his presence alone make ballhandlers bail on attacking the rim. Never saw that with Plumlee. His active hands are also a weapon when he hedges. Even when he was a rookie he was racking up steals. That part of his game is not a fluke. He's also a solid shot blocker. He's got quick feet (relatively speaking) to mirror laterally. His reading of situations needs work, but remember, he's only 22 and has only been here for a week or whatever.

His attitude. It's already rubbing off on guys like Vonleh, who's played with more confidence the last two or so games than he has since he's been in the league. The rest of the guys look more engaged as well. Even CJ blew up last night. I've never seen that. I've also never seen Lillard as mad as he was after not getting a call.

I look forward to his home debut. I know if I was there I'd be giving him a standing ovation when he gets introduced. Olshey deserves credit as well. He may have turned Mason Plumlee into our franchise center for the next ten years.

 

[TBpup]

He does make teammates better. 1. He is actually LOOKING to pass. 2. Because of #1, teammates are cutting in the direction of the basket. (novel concept)

 

[Troy.Ave]

I like this guy a lot. It was a great trade. Till this day what shocks me is denver also gave us a 1st rounder on top of Nurkic..

I would have just been happy straight up trading Plumlee for Nurkic but then u add a draft pick? Great trade

 

[stampedehero]

The only negative is the team can't win and develop a the streak to enter the playoff picture. I like his addition to the team roster but still want Stotts on the hot seat.

 

[Scalma]

I like this guy a lot. It was a great trade. Till this day what shocks me is denver also gave us a 1st rounder on top of Nurkic..

I would have just been happy straight up trading Plumlee for Nurkic but then u add a draft pick? Great trade

Denvers gm said something like they didn't really have use for the pick because they already have a hard time opening up playing time for all the young players they have. He didn't want to "cannibalize" his roster. It makes sense, but I'll take it. We pretty much bought that pick with the cash we sent them.

 

[Troy.Ave]

Denvers gm said something like they didn't really have use for the pick because they already have a hard time opening up playing time for all the young players they have. He didn't want to "cannibalize" his roster. It makes sense, but I'll take it. We pretty much bought that pick with the cash we sent them.

Makes sense

 

[Scalma]

I'm crying.

 

[illmatic99]

Hes 22

 

[Natebishop3]

Denver done fucked up goooooood!

 

[Stevenson]

He has a bit of a Sabonis quality.

 

[MickZagger]

its been like 4 games and he fits like a glove.

 

[Rhal]

Seeing how well Nurkic plays the PnR makes me wish we had a goddamn PnR big for Lillard to play with since his rookie year. It seems to open Dames game up a lot as well.

 

[riverman]

He has a bit of a Sabonis quality.

I finally feel like we're building a core with an identity instead of on going training camp....Dame CJ Turner Aminu and Nurk should be able to build a strong unit

 

[mook]

At this point I think Nurk is more untouchable than CJ. He's just a perfect fit for Damian's game, and so young. I'm hoping we somehow flip CJ for a star-caliber SF of PF to balance out the roster and compete from there.

 

[Mediocre Man]

At this point I think Nurk is more untouchable than CJ. He's just a perfect fit for Damian's game, and so young. I'm hoping we somehow flip CJ for a star-caliber SF of PF to balance out the roster and compete from there.

CJ and a pick or two for Paul George would have made us potentially special

 

[SheedSoNasty]

CJ and a pick or two for Paul George would have made us potentially special

For a year until George signed with the Lakers.