Yes, Nurk is asked to do a lot. And maybe selfish was the wrong word, but he isn't playing the cat and mouse game with ball handlers as well as we've seen in the past.
Nurk has shown the craftiness to use subtle lunges and reaches to cause the handler some indecision. And also the timing to contest at the last possible moment. We've less of that this year. I also think he's been a little more conscious of avoiding foul trouble, which would explain him not being as aggressive defending around the rim overall.
Nurkgoat!! He definetly deserves some credit, he improved his Shooting and efficiency, 59% TS is really good, but wtf happened to his Defense? Last year he was a Fantastic rim protector, this year not so much . as much as i appriciate nurkics improvement, i think Collins should be the C for the Blazers, his Ceiling is much higher than Nurk's, Nurkic is just too slow to defend, this will be a big Problem in the Playoffs? while Collins is made for the modern NBA imo
In the 2 games Nurk played 30+ mins we lost. Maybe Terry is a lil smarter than those clamoring for more of the beast.
Anecdotal evidence. We didn't lose either of those games because of Nurk. In neither game was POR outscored when Nurk was on the floor. In the WAS game Nurk had 22 point and 18 rebounds and was +1 In the LAL loss, Nurk scored 14 points grabbed 13 rebounds and was +12. Our bench was pretty terrible in that game. They were outscored 44 - 26 by the Lakers bench and went 2-14 from 3-point range. BNM
Guys I recognize its a small sample size. I'm only saying that I think Terry is aware of how many minutes to give Nurk and what situations are best.
Nurk Stats 17-18: 4.5 post ups per game @ 42.8% / 6.2 paint touches per game / 46.6% of FGA in restricted area 18-19: 3.5 post ups per game @ 50% / 7.9 paint touches / 58.9% of FGA in restricted area Shooting unsustainable %'s from 3-10ft & 16-3pt but these stats should help him maintain the improved efficiency.
He seems to have put on good weight this offseason. He’s back to where he was when he first got to Portland, but he replaced the fat with muscle. If you look at photos of him early last season, he was SKINNY. Hes also a lot more patient and balanced. Experience helps. Last year was really his first year starting and having significant responsibilities.
“Nurk fever” Nurk: 29.2 MPG 15.2 PPG 10.4 RPG (3.3 offensive) 3.2 APG 1.9 BPG 51% FG 66% FT 3.1 TOV 3.7 PF 105 ORTG 104 DRTG 21.1 PER 2018-19 Nurk: 24.9 MPG 15.3 PPG 10.5 RPG (3.9 offensive) 1.9 APG 1.0 BPG 52% FG 79% FT 2.3 TOV 3.1 PF 117 ORTG 102 DRTG 24.6 PER And in November his blocks and assists have spiked as well. Respect him.
The nicest thing about Nurk is that he is not in a hurry around the basket anymore. Last year he wanted to take advantage of his new slim frame and rushed things. He is (mostly) not anymore - and it is paying dividends.
The game has slowed down for him. Adding some of the weight he lost has helped as well. And it isn’t sloppy weight like when he first got to Portland. Hes in ideal shape.
I like when he gets into the chest of the defender with his left side in a legal non-fouling way to create space with his right. He rarely misses when he does that.
I was way too critical of Nurk early in the season. I thought his defense kind of stunk. I had to back off and just realize the way the NBA is calling things means guys like nurk cant play the “bruising” type of defense they used too. His positioning on defense is still pretty good, he hates getting stuck on an island away from the basket, but most 7 foot 2, 275lb center hate that. After taking the step back and watching him I think he’s been really close to their 2nd best player this year. Its great that they trust Collins off the bench to step in and give Nurkic rest. Cant complain about what Nurkic is doing this year so far.
If Nurk continues to develop, he has a chance to become a dominant force, and that makes this Blazers team a serious threat going forward.
Last year he was such a terrible post player. It's really amazing to see his progress around the rim. I guess you have to have some dark to get to the light.
Last year in post up situations Nurk had a FG percentage of 42%. For comparisons sake that put him above players like Marc Gasol and Vucevic but below the top tier of guys like Embiid and Cousins. This year he’s at 53% which puts him above Embiid, Aldridge, AD, Whiteside, KAT, etc...you get the picture. Only center with a higher percentage with comparable attempts is Jokic. What’s funny is Carmelo has been extremely efficient in post ups this season (66%) but on fewer attempts. But that’s another discussion.