NBA: 10 players who could take the next step in 2017-18

By Jamie Campbell | Jun 25, 2017

Apr 4, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) and forward Andrew Wiggins (22) during the first quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports /

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4. Jusuf Nurkic, F, Portland Trail Blazers

After being traded to the Denver Nuggets, Jusuf Nurkic was an absolute beast for the Portland Trail Blazers.

In 20 games with the team, he put up 15.2 points, 10.4 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.9 blocks per game, all while helping the Blazers to a 14-6 record in that stretch.

Unfortunately, a leg injury caused him to miss the last seven games of the season. He did return for Game 3 of the first round of the playoffs but he just wasn’t right.

Assuming he will be healthy for the start of the 2017-17 season, look for him to expand on the success he enjoyed during his first handful of games with the Blazers.

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