HOUSTON — Utah Jazz center Jusuf Nurkic will undergo nose surgery this week and will be out the rest of the season.
Jazz coach Will Hardy said before Monday’s game against the Houston Rockets that Nurkic needs some time off the procedure.
“His nasal septum is very damaged,” Hardy said. “He’s been hit in the face four or five times this year. His recent illness has made it worse. It’s something he’s going to need to do for a while now, so he’ll take care of that.”
The 31-year-old Nurkic averaged 10.9 points and 10.4 rebounds in 41 games in his first season with the Jazz. He is scheduled to become a free agent after the season.
“Hell has been a big part of what we’ve done this year and he helps our team in a lot of ways,” Hardy said.
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