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Jusuf Nurkic's Surgery Update Highlights Health 'Complications'

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Angelo Guinhawa | Last updated Feb 23, 2026 8:16 PM ET

Utah Jazz center Jusuf Nurkic will reportedly be out for the remainder of the 2025-26 season as he needs to undergo surgery.

Chris Haynes of NBA on Prime reported the development, sharing that Nurkic "will undergo a surgical procedure on his nose Wednesday that will sideline him for the remainder of the season."

Nurkic missed the Jazz's first game back from the All-Star break against the Memphis Grizzlies due to the issue, although the team called it an injury management. Clearly, it's much more serious than that.

Haynes' report also indicated that Nurkic has been dealing with some "complications" for some time now, stemming from a previous nose injury.

"Nurk has experienced complications of breathing and sleeping since fracturing his nose a few years ago," Haynes added.

Utah Jazz center Jusuf Nurkic (30) with an NBA referee during a game.Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

The 31-year-old center has been a key contributor for the Jazz this 2025-26 season. In 41 games played, including 31 starts, he averaged 10.9 points and 10.4 rebounds, along with 4.8 assists and 1.3 steals.

Nurkic is shooting 50.3% from the field, including 35.2% from the 3-point line.

It's worth noting that Nurkic's injury comes amid the absences of centers Walker Kessler and Jaren Jackson Jr.

Kessler played only five games before being ruled out for the rest of the campaign due to a shoulder injury. Kessler suffered a labral tear on his left shoulder and underwent surgery to address it.

Prior to his injury, Kessler was putting up 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.8 blocks.

Meanwhile, on Feb. 17, Jackson underwent a procedure to remove a localized pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) growth in his left knee. There were reports stating that he could be out for the rest of the season, but the Jazz didn't rule him out just yet and stated that he will be re-evaluated in four weeks.

That being said, the Jazz are now down three of their top centers. Kyle Filipowski and two-way contract player Oscar Tshiebwe are expected to see increased roles and playing time at the center position as a result.

Kevin Love and Lauri Markkanen could also step in to handle the center spot as the Jazz look to replace the production of all the players they are missing.

The Jazz are 18-39 on the season and are far from contention for the postseason. After playing the Houston Rockets on Monday, they will also face the New Orleans Pelicans twice this week.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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