The Portland Trail Blazers showed their appreciation for three former players who returned to the Moda Center on Thursday night as members of different teams. Jusuf Nurkic, Nassir Little, and Drew Eubanks received touching video tributes from the Blazers during the game breaks, highlighting their contributions and memories in Portland.
Blazers Honor Returning Legends: Emotional Tributes for Nurkic, Little, and Eubanks Illuminate Moda Center (Photo: clutchpoints)
Jusuf Nurkic traded to Phoenix Suns in blockbuster deal
Jusuf Nurkic was the most prominent name of the former Blazers trio.
The Bosnian Beast spent six seasons in Portland, forming a formidable frontcourt duo with Damian Lillard.
Nurkic played in 291 games for the Blazers, averaging 12.
9 points, 9.
7 rebounds, 3.
4 assists, 1.
4 blocks and 1.
1 steal, helping the Blazers reach the Western Conference Finals in 2019.
However, Nurkic also suffered several injuries that limited his availability and effectiveness.
He suffered a severe foot fracture in 2019 that sidelined him for more than a year, and he missed 35 games last season with a broken wrist and a strained calf. He also had trouble adjusting to the new system of coach Chauncey Billups, who favored more mobile and versatile centers.
Nurkic was traded to the Phoenix Suns in September as part of a three-team deal that sent Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks and Deandre Ayton to the Blazers.
The Suns had hoped Nurkic’s passing, rebounding, and defensive responsibilities would make him better suited for their championship aspirations.
Nurkic appeared in 41 games with the Suns this season, averaging 14.
2 points, 10.
4 rebounds, 4.
6 assists, 1.
6 blocks and 1.
2 steals.
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Nassir Little and Drew Eubanks find new homes after leaving the Blazers
Nassir Little and Drew Eubanks had performances during their time in Portland. It was Nurkic who stood out the most. The Blazers selected Little as their pick in 2019, and he proved his versatility as a forward by playing multiple positions. Although he played 107 games with the Blazers, he never secured a spot in the lineup.
After that, Little and Nurkic were moved to the Suns. He now plays with Lillard for the Bucks. In 39 games for Milwaukee, he has been more useful there, scoring 9.3 points and 4.1 rebounds per game. Also, with a 38.7% success rate, his three-point shot has gotten a lot better this season.
As for Eubanks, he played as both a center for the Blazers. He maintained an average of 4.7 points and 3.7 rebounds across his 30 games during the 2020–2021 season. During the off-season, he signed with the San Antonio Spurs, where he became a backup center option. In his time with them, over 40 games, Eubanks demonstrated great efficiency, shooting at a field goal percentage of 64.1% while contributing solidly with averages of 6.8 points and 4.9 rebounds.
