Has Jusuf Nurkic of the Portland Trail Blazers played up to expectations? It’s a question that’s been batted around Rip City like a loose ball. So far, the answer is no.
But the question itself might be unfair.
Perhaps it’s more worthwhile to ask: Whose expectations are we talking about here? Nurk’s or Rip City’s? And how realistic are these expectations?
The key is to find the right metrics against which to measure both Nurkic’s progress and his promise. His promise is undeniable. His progress, less so.
As for the weighty expectations of a championship-starved fan base, Nurkic is not the answer.