Jazz Center Jusuf Nurkić to Undergo Season-Ending Nose Surgery
HOUSTON – Utah Jazz center Jusuf Nurkić will undergo surgery to repair a deviated septum this week, effectively ending his first season with the team. The news comes as the Jazz continue a challenging stretch, already without several key players due to injury.
Jazz coach Will Hardy revealed the decision before Monday’s game against the Houston Rockets, stating that Nurkić has been dealing with the issue for some time. “He has had a really bad deviated septum in his nose,” Hardy said. “He has gotten hit in the face four or five times this year. His recent sickness has pushed that forward. It’s something that he’s needed to get done for a while now, so he’s going to get it taken care of.”
The 31-year-old Bosnian center arrived in Utah as part of an offseason trade that sent Collin Sexton to the Charlotte Hornets. In 41 games with the Jazz, Nurkić averaged 10.9 points and 10.4 rebounds, providing a veteran presence in the frontcourt. He showcased flashes of his former self, even recording a series of impressive performances in January, becoming the first player in Jazz history to achieve triple-doubles in three consecutive games against the Minnesota Timberwolves, San Antonio Spurs, and Miami Heat.
Hardy emphasized Nurkić’s importance to the team, despite the relatively short time he spent in Utah. “Nurk has been a big part of what we’ve done this year, and he helps our team in a bunch of ways,” the coach said.
The timing of the injury is particularly difficult for the Jazz, who are already navigating the absence of Jaren Jackson Jr. And Walker Kessler due to season-ending injuries, according to reports. Nurkić’s absence further depletes the team’s frontcourt depth as they attempt to remain competitive in the Western Conference.
Nurkić’s surgery will sideline him for the remainder of the 2025-26 NBA season. He is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent this summer, raising questions about his future with the Jazz. Prior to joining Utah, Nurkić had a difficult two-year period split between the Phoenix Suns and the Charlotte Hornets, but he successfully rebuilt his value during his time with the Jazz.
The Jazz acquired Nurkić hoping he would provide a stabilizing force in the paint and a rebounding presence. While his time in Utah was impacted by injuries and illness, he demonstrated his ability to contribute on both ends of the court. His absence will undoubtedly be felt as the Jazz navigate the remainder of the season.
The surgery is scheduled to take place this Wednesday, February 26, 2026, according to Chris Haynes, Senior NBA Insider for NBA on Prime and The Association on NBATV.
