"In offseason everything is Jordan": Fans react to Jusuf Nurkic's body transformation and desire to improve 3-point shot

Basketball fans reacted to a video of Jusuf Nurkic, where the Phoenix Suns center appeared noticeably slimmer and showcased his off-season body transformation. In a video shared by Forbes' Evan Sidery, the 29-year-old was seen working on his 3-point shooting in an empty gym.

"Jusuf Nurkić has undergone an offseason transformation slimming down in weight and working on his three-point shooting," Sidery tweeted.

"In Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer’s system, a stretch-5 is critical to its success," he added.

Nurkic, who is also known as the 'Bosnian Beast,' was the heaviest player in the NBA last season. The former Portland Trail Blazers star weighed 290 pounds entering the 2023-24 season.

Hoops fans reacted to Nurkic's reported body transformation and the center's desire to improve his stroke from beyond the arc.

One of the fans candidly compared Nukric to Michael Jordan.

"In offseason everything is Jordan."

Another fan lauded Nurkic for putting in the effort to improve his craft during the off-season.

"If this team wants to succeed it’s what they need badly. You can’t be mid-to-bad on defense AND not shoot the 3. Slimming down and shooting more should help on both ends of the court."

Another fan pointed at how coach Mike Budenholzer transformed center Brook Lopez's shooting during his time with the Milwaukee Bucks.

"Brook really turned into splash Mountain in 2018-19 with Bud and the Bucks... if Nurk's shooting turns into anything like that WATCH OUT."

Several fans underlined the importance of Nurkic dominating in the paint rather than spacing the floor.

"We are the stretched Suns. All our players are effective from the perimeter. No one can attack the rim which can be an issue during the playoffs," a fan wrote.

"I think he needs to focus on his footwork and shot-blocking. Suns resigned Bol Bol to be the stretch 5 position!" commented another X user.

"He’s playing with brad broker and KD and he’s working on his 3 point shot??? LMAOO bro needs to worry about defense," another fan opined.

Jusuf Nurkic's 3-point shooting

Kevin Durant and Devin Booker-led Phoenix Suns were swept by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the playoffs last season. Jusuf Nurkic played in all four games and was on the court for 104 minutes. Overall, the 10-year veteran attempted only two three-point shots and missed both.

In the regular season, Nurkic shot 24.4% from beyond the arc on 1.2 attempts per game. The 29-year-old center has never been a high-volume 3-point shooter. He has attempted 347 3-point shots in 539 games. Last season, Nurkic attempted 90 three-pointers, marking the second-highest total of his career in a season.

His best season from the 3-point range came during his last year with the Portland Trail Blazers in 2022-23. Nurkic shot 36.1% from downtown on 2.3 attempts per game.