Jusuf Nurkic has buyout to leave Europe for NBA

By Sam Richmond | Jun 25, 2014

Jun 27, 2013; Brooklyn, NY, USA; A general view as NBA commissioner David Stern (right) , deputy commissioner Adam Silver (left) and former NBA player Hakeem Olajuwon speak on stage after the first round of the 2013 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

Bosnian NBA draft prospect Jusuf Nurkic has reached a buyout to leave Europe and play in the NBA next season, according to Yahoo’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

More from NBA

The seven-footer is regarded as the second best center in the draft behind Joel Embiid and one of the most skilled players overall, with the abilities to score in the post, protect the rim and run the floor. While he played just 16.6 minutes per game last season in the Adriatic League, he averaged 11.7 points (54.5 percent shooting from the floor) and 5.7 rebounds.

Plus, with a possession of all the physical tools, such as a wingspan of 7’2″, there’s certainly reason to believe he is one of the best upside plays in the draft.

DraftExpress ranks Nurkic as the sixth best prospect and writes:

"If the 19 year old big man can improve as a shooter and continue to use his strength and footwork effectively around the rim, he has a chance to become the best back to the basket player to make the jump from Europe to the NBA since Nikola Pekovic."

Therefore, it shouldn’t surprise anyone that with Nurkic now a lock to play in the NBA in 2014-15, he’s a strong bet to be picked in the lottery, according to Wojnarowski.

The buyout could clinch Nurkic, a 7-footer, as a late lottery pick in Thursday's draft. He's a 19 year old native of Bosnia.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 25, 2014

The NBA Draft is set to begin at 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 26, 2014.