National Basketball Association

Jusuf Nurkic on injury woes: 'Hardest time of my life'

Published Dec. 14, 2015 8:32 p.m. ET

foxsports

The Denver Nuggets have dealt with plenty of injury issues this season. Wilson Chandler is out for the year. Gary Harris has missed time with a concussion. Joffrey Lauvergne has missed significant time.

But perhaps the biggest blow to Denver's early season chances has been the absence of center Jusuf Nurkic.

Nurkic was one of the most surprising players in the NBA last year, as he anchored Denver's defense and provided some offensive firepower at the center position.

How close is Nurkic to returning to game action? Here's what he told Christopher Dempsey of the Denver Post about his recovery:

Nurkic hasn’t played since the end of last season. Recently, his rehab from a partially torn left patellar tendon has been ramped up to the point where he’s been running and cutting. “I do everything,” Nurkic said. He’s got just one hurdle left. “It’s been a long time,” Nurkic said. “It’s been the hardest time of my life right now.”

“It’s (tough) when you have not practiced in six months,” he said. “You feel like you’re not in shape. But I’m happy. I’m 90 percent better for sure. I’m a different player, for sure. Last year I played with the pain, like the last three months. Crazy pain. But now I feel so good, so I can’t wait to play.”