Jusuf Nurkic Becomes Key Waiver Wire Pickup After Kessler Injury

Salt Lake City, Utah – Fantasy basketball managers should target Jusuf Nurkic on waiver wires following Walker Kessler‘s season-ending torn labrum diagnosis. Kessler’s injury leaves the Jazz without their starting center and presents an opportunity for Nurkic as the new full-time starter.

In Kessler’s last two games, Nurkic stepped in and started at center. In a recent match against the Boston Celtics, he played 31 minutes and secured a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds, alongside four assists and a game-winning tip-in. His performance demonstrated his potential in a starting role.

Although Nurkic is not the scorer he once was, he remains valuable in fantasy leagues. This season, he is averaging 13.6 points, 14.9 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 2.3 steals per 36 minutes. Managers can expect fluctuating minutes depending on game circumstances, but his overall contribution should be consistent.

For those unable to acquire Nurkic, options like Kyle Filipowski and Taylor Hendricks might be worth considering, especially in deeper leagues. Both players can play center and could see more minutes if the Jazz face blowouts. Filipowski and Hendricks have shown mixed results but offer upside, particularly if Lauri Markkanen is sidelined.

In the G League, Oscar Tshiebwe may get a look from the Jazz, as he has been an effective per-minute producer in his previous NBA games.

With the Jazz’s current roster and the uncertainty surrounding Kessler’s recovery, Coach Will Hardy is looking to Nurkic to fill the gap left by Kessler and help solidify the team’s identity. Nurkic has received positive feedback from Hardy, who appreciates his playmaking ability and presence on the boards.

The loss of Kessler is a significant setback for the Jazz, who started the season with a 3-4 record. Kessler had been a dependable performer, but his injury now forces the team to rely on alternative strategies defensively. The team is currently ranked 22nd in defensive rating and will need players like Hendricks to step up in Kessler’s absence.

While Utah will miss Kessler’s rim protection, the organization may benefit in the long term by improving their draft odds. The injury could help solidify their position as they look to the future, especially with a competitive draft class in 2026.

Despite the challenges ahead, Nurkic’s role as the primary center positions him as a key player for fantasy managers looking to bolster their teams.