Rebound with the sound of this Balkan Funk.
By I.J. Hamilton @sirhammo @sunsplanetpod @asaparizona
15-05-2024
Well…. I for one, am very happy to be wrong, this time.
When Jusuf Nurkić came over to the Phoenix Suns, as part of the Ayton trade, we all had mixed emotions and concerns. We had reservations about if this was the right guy to replace DA. “Nurk is injury prone”. “He has no Heart”, many words were said between us Suns fans pre-season.
Weren’t we all wrong!
As the regular season closed out, our statements were thrown back in our face with gusto. Nurk brought a work ethic and a heart this team hasn’t seen in a big man in a few long years. Nurk is all that and more. So, what were our main concerns?
1 – Will he stay healthy?
Nurk played a total of 76 regular games this season. 76! What a machine! His last two seasons at Portland were 52 & 56. This is an incredible leap. He wants to play! Nurk’s durability through heavy defence is strong and decisive. He is a big body that uses screens to his advantage, and he has put his body on the line multiple times for the foul.
2 – Will he be a better option than DeAndre Ayton?
This is always an interesting topic. In my opinion I believe Nurk was a better fit for THIS team. His numbers speak for themselves. This season Nurk’s average was,
10.9Pts 11.0Reb 4.0Ast on 27.3Mins. Including one record setting night, for both him and the Phoenix Suns by setting a franchise record 31 rebounds in an unfortunate loss to OKC. Soaring past the last record of 27 rebounds set by Tyson Chandler in 2016. Yes, he is a better version of DA, hands down. Oops bad wording. Keep your hands up Nurk. Why you always holding the ball down where they can get to it…. Still better than Ayton.
3 – Will his style of play, match the BIG 3, and what they are bringing to the table? Will he fit in essentially?
I believe so. For the foreseeable future Jusuf Nurkić is our big guy. He is a good player. He loves the city, he loves the fans, he loves to ball and most of all he DOES fit in with the Beal, Durant & Booker. (Editors note: Frank Vogel is now out and Mike Budenholzer is in) Also, um, dude have you seen this guy’s Twitter/X? He is hilarious! He even brings this Podcaster to have a little dance every week, when his Bosnian Beast drop, plays on the SUNS PLANET PODCAST.
www.youtube.com/@SunsPlanetPodcast
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Man, I love that song by Dubioza kolektiv “Nurk Fever”. Gets me going every time.
Durant, Booker & Beal have all sat out games this season, but the fact is this…. When Nurkic isn’t playing, we lose. Plain and simple.
With all that put into perspective. We also must understand, what this man put his body through from 11 of March till 9th of April 2024. I’m of course talking about his devotion to his faith and taking part in Ramadan. Fasting is a big part Ramadan. Abstaining from food, drink, and sexual relations (Giggity) from before the first light of dawn until the setting of the sun.
How the hell was this giant 7’0” foot tall 290Lb still able to function? I tell you; they must breed them tough in Bosnia & Herzegovina. His devotion to his team during this sacred time, speaks volumes to his character. He chose to continue to play, as much as possible, and play at a high level. Incredible.
Jusuf Nurkić has turned into a pivotal piece for the Phoenix Suns this season. He has impressed, he has broken records, and he will continue to shine for the foreseeable future. If WE allow him to. I have no idea what is in store for our big man. I just want to acknowledge and pay Homage to, The Bosnian Beast. He has made his way into all our hearts, with his passion, his smile, his energy and love for all things PHX. We love you back big man.
I am so glad to be wrong.
