Overview
- Team sources confirmed Nurkic underwent nasal surgery for a severe deviated septum and will miss the rest of 2025–26, with coach Will Hardy citing repeated facial hits and a recent illness as factors.
- Nurkic logged 41 appearances (36 starts) with 10.9 points, 10.4 rebounds and 4.8 assists, and he is expected to enter unrestricted free agency this offseason.
- Utah’s frontcourt is depleted with season-ending losses to Walker Kessler (shoulder) and Jaren Jackson Jr. (knee) in addition to Nurkic.
- With Nurkic out, center minutes are expected to go to Kyle Filipowski, Kevin Love and Oscar Tshiebwe, with some outlets suggesting Lauri Markkanen could see time at the five if available.
- Lauri Markkanen sustained practice injuries and is set for MRI evaluation of his right ankle and hip; reporting indicates the NBA, which fined Utah $500,000 for participation-policy violations, may send independent doctors to review his status.