All Pistons

Hornets Trade Pickup Questionable vs Detroit Pistons

The Charlotte Hornets hope to see a debut against the Detroit Pistons.
Justin Grasso|
Mar 15, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges (0) brings the ball up court after a steal trailed by Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic (20) during the second half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Mar 15, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges (0) brings the ball up court after a steal trailed by Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic (20) during the second half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images | Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

In this story:

Detroit PistonsCharlotte Hornets

The injury report is quite crowded for the Charlotte Hornets ahead of their Sunday afternoon matchup against the Detroit Pistons.

Among those listed from Charlotte’s side is the veteran trade acquisition, Jusuf Nurkic.

According to the official NBA injury report, Nurkic is questionable as the trade is still pending. The veteran center heads to Charlotte after a rocky situation with the Phoenix Suns.

In order to snag Nurkic and a future first-round pick, the Hornets parted ways with Cody Martin, Vasilije Micic, and a future second-round pick.

It’s unclear if Nurkic will make his debut against the Pistons or not.

Charlotte becomes Nurkic’s fourth NBA home since 2014. When he entered the league, Nurkic started his career on the Denver Nuggets.

In 2017, he was dealt to the Portland Trail Blazers. After spending seven seasons with the Blazers, Nurkic ended up on the Suns, who were loading up with a top-heavy roster that included Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, and the homegrown star Devin Booker.

Last season, Nurkic averaged 11 points and 11 rebounds in 76 games for the Suns. This year, he produced nine points and nine rebounds per game in 25 outings. First, Nurkic saw a demotion to a bench role after 23 starts. After two games, he was glued to the bench.

Nurkic hasn’t played since January 7. It was clear he was no longer in Phoenix’s plans. On a young and rebuilding Hornets team, Nurkic could be in line for steady playing time again. Perhaps, if the deal goes through, he’ll begin his Charlotte run on Sunday.

For the time being, he’s questionable.

More Pistons on SI

Detroit Pistons Veteran Opens up on Requesting to Not be Traded

Detroit Pistons Make Post-Trade Deadline Roster Move

Dennis Schroder’s Social Media Post After Joining Detroit Pistons

Detroit Pistons Star Cade Cunningham Named to NBA All-Star Event

Former Detroit Pistons Player Included in Marcus Smart Trade

Published
Justin Grasso
JUSTIN GRASSO

Justin Grasso was a credentialed writer and publisher covering the Philadelphia 76ers for Sports Illustrated’s 76ers On SI Network. Grasso got his start in sports media in 2016 with FantasyPros, working the news desk, providing game-by-game player analysis and updates on the Portland Trail Blazers and the Golden State Warriors. By 2017, he joined FanSided’s Philadelphia Eagles site as a staff writer. After spending one season covering the Eagles as a staff writer, Grasso was promoted to become the site’s Co-Editor. For the next two NFL seasons, he covered the Eagles closely before broadening his NFL coverage. For a brief stint, Grasso covered the NFL on a national basis after joining Heavy.com as an NFL news desk writer. In 2019, Grasso joined the 76ers' beat on a part-time basis, stepping into a role with South Jersey’s 97.3 ESPN. Ahead of the 2019-2020 NBA season, he concluded a three-year stint covering the Eagles and joined the Sixers beat full-time. Grasso has covered the 76ers exclusively since then for Sports Illustrated. He is a member of the Pro Basketball Writers Association. Twitter: @JGrasso_ Instagram: @JGrassoMedia

Share on XFollow JGrasso_
Home/News