What is Jusuf Nurkic's religion? Looking at Suns center ethnicity & cultural roots

Living true to his “Bosnian Beast” nickname, Jusuf Nurkic seamlessly integrated into the Phoenix Suns' Big 3. establishing himself as a vital asset. In the Valley, his popularity is on the rise. In this article, we will delve into the religious background of Nurkic and explore the role that faith plays in his life and career.

While Nurkic often speak openly about his religious beliefs, it is well-known that 7-foot center is from Bosnia. He is Muslim. He is one of only a few players who practice Islam.

Having spent the majority of the games on the sidelines last year with the Blazers, Nurkic has only missed two games this season for the Suns, he’s essentially been the most consistent cog in the Suns’ rotation so far.

The Suns' big man recently set a new franchise record by securing 31 rebounds in a single game. This accomplishment marks the highest number of rebounds in an NBA game in the past 14 years.

You might also be interested in reading this: Breaking down Deandre Ayton, Jusuf Nurkic's role in Damian Lillard-Miami Heat proposed trade

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Who are the other players who practice Islam like Jusuf Nurkic?

In the NBA, there's a vast and diverse group of basketball players who have different faiths. They also practice different traditions, as the league is a big melting pot of players who love the game of basketball, regardless of what they believe in. Now, let's take a look at who the other Muslim players are.

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Kyrie Irving

Kyrie Irving has expressed his faith before, and the world is aware that he practices the Islamic faith. The current Dallas Mavericks star converted to Islam a few years ago and has been a devout Muslim since then.

During Ramadan 2022, it was reported that the 2016 NBA champion fasted. He wasn't allowed to eat or drink anything from dawn until dusk for 30 days. Still, he gave an all-out performance.

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Dennis Schroder

Germany v Slovenia: Group K - FIBA Basketball World Cup

The 2023 FIBA World Cup 2023 MVP has a German father and a Gambian mother. Dennis Schroder practices Islam as it's one of the biggest religions in the country of Gambia.

Schroder is now a member of the Toronto Raptors, who signed him back in the 2023 offseason.

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Enes Freedom

Despite not being signed, Enes Freedom is still hopeful to get signed by an NBA team. The Turkish center has called out the league for different things, which have jeopardized his career while he's at the height of it.

Most people in Turkey practice the Islamic faith, so that explains why Freedom has a similar faith.