Nurkic Undergoes Surgery, to be Evaluated in Six Weeks

Jusuf Nurkic has undergone surgery to repair a fracture in his right wrist, the Portland Trail Blazers announced today. The team also said that Nurkic would be re-evaluated in six weeks and the big fella would be in a splint for four weeks leading up to that evaluation.

Four days ago, Shams Charania of The Athletic reported that Nurkic’s recovery time might be as long as eight weeks. Roughly, that updated six-week timeline puts Nurkic’s re-evaluation close to March 3.

Nurkic’s procedure was performed by Dr. Steven Shin at the Cedars-Sinai Kerlan-Jobe Institute in Los Angeles. Dr Shin is no stranger to high-profile American athletes, treating Phoenix Suns point guard Chris Paul, New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees and Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout.

Before Nurkic injured his hand against the Indiana Pacers on January 14, he was putting up averages of 9.8 points, 7.7 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game. However, he enjoyed a return to form in his penultimate outing against the Sacramento Kings—putting up 18 points, 12 rebounds, two steals and three blocks.