Overview
- Team sources and coach Will Hardy confirmed the operation took place Tuesday after initial reporting by Chris Haynes, with Hardy noting multiple facial blows this season pushed the issue forward.
- Nurkić logged 41 games in his first Utah campaign, averaging 10.9 points, 10.4 rebounds and a career-best 4.8 assists.
- He becomes the third frontline big lost for the year, joining Jaren Jackson Jr. after knee surgery for a localized PVNS growth and Walker Kessler following shoulder surgery.
- Utah’s remaining center minutes are expected to go to Kyle Filipowski, Kevin Love and Oscar Tshiebwe, with occasional looks at Lauri Markkanen in small-ball lineups.
- The veteran’s $19.3 million expiring deal positions him for unrestricted free agency this summer, as the Jazz face continued scrutiny following a recent $500,000 league fine for player participation violations.