Jusuf Nurkić, a towering presence on the basketball court, hails from the small town of Živinice in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Born on August 23, 1994, Nurkić's journey into the world of basketball began at the tender age of 14, when a Bosnian sports agent recognized his potential and brought him to Slovenia, opening doors to a future in the sport.
Nurkić's early days were marked by determination and a willingness to learn. He began his professional career in 2012 with Cedevita Zagreb, a Croatian league team, where he initially played a minor role before being loaned out to Zadar until the end of the season. His exceptional skills earned him the FIBA Europe Young Player of the Year award.
In 2014, Jusuf Nurkic declared for the NBA draft. He was selected as 16th overall pick by the Chicago Bulls. However, he was then traded to the Denver Nuggets on draft night.
In the NBA, Nurkić quickly established himself as a formidable rebounder, leveraging his imposing frame to gain deep post position and consistently posting impressive rebounding numbers. Nurkic spent three seasons with the Nuggets playing various roles. He was consistently showing his skills on the court.
In 2017, Nurkic was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers. Along with Damian Lillard, they were an unstoppable combo. His game expanded, and he developed into a skilled passer. The duo led the team to consistent playoffs when Nurkic was there for the team. It shows the testament of the presence of Nurkic on the court.
However, in 2019, injuries began to plague his career, and he struggled to maintain consistent health, which ultimately impacted the Blazers' performance.
In 2023, Jusuf Nurkic was traded to the Phoenix Suns in a three-team trade. On March 24, 2024, he made a career-high rebound i.e., 31 in a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Who are Jusuf Nurkić’ Parents?
Hariz Nurkić is the father of Jusuf Nurkić. His mother’s name is not known.
Who is Jusuf Nurkić Father?
Hariz Nurkić, Jusuf's father, played a pivotal role in shaping his son's path to basketball stardom. Standing at an impressive 213 centimeters (nearly 7 feet tall) and weighing 200 kilograms, Hariz was a police officer from Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
His imposing physical presence caught the attention of a Bosnian sports agent, Enes Trnovcevic, who read about Hariz's involvement in a fight where he single-handedly took on 14 people.
Intrigued by Hariz's strength and potential, Trnovcevic wasted no time in seeking out the family. Upon meeting Hariz, the agent's sole question was, "Do you have a son?" It was then that 14-year-old Jusuf Nurkić, who had never trained in basketball before, was introduced to the sport. Trnovcevic saw the opportunity and took the young Nurkić to Slovenia, providing him with a chance to pursue his newfound passion.
Who is Jusuf Nurkić's Mother?
The name of Nurkić's mother is not known. But in a social media post, he was photographed next to his mother and brother standing in front of a car.
The caption read: "I wish my grandma could be here for this moment. Man, it's been a struggle for us since day one, especially for her (my Mom), but finally, after 40+ years, my Mom owns her first car."
What Nationality are Jusuf Nurkić’s Parents?
Jusuf Nurkić's parents, Hariz has a Bosnian.
FAQ on Jusuf Nurkić parents
A. Jusuf Nurkić is 30 years old as of March 2024. He was born on 23 August 1994.
A. Hariz Nurkić is the father of Jusuf Nurkić, the name of his mother is not known.
A. Jusuf Nurkić plays for the Phoenix Suns in the NBA.
A. Jusuf Nurkić is 7 feet tall.