Wild Jusuf Nurkic stat all but confirms why the Jazz acquired him

The Utah Jazz made one of the offseason's most puzzling decisions when they swapped Collin Sexton for Jusuf Nurkic. Nurkic is past his prime and will play for a team that has ready-now big men like Lauri Markkanen and Walker Kessler, along with talented young bigs like Kyle Filipowski and Taylor Hendricks. However, one revealing stat may show why the Jazz acquired Nurkic: his elite rebounding.

The X account BBall Index revealed who among NBA centers rank in the top five in Defensive Rebounding Talent. Nurkic ranked number three.

Now, it's not like the Jazz were in dire need of rebounding. For everything they were unquestionably bad at last season, rebounding was not one of their issues, or even defensive rebounding at that. According to NBA.com, they were 11th in defensive rebounding in the league.

In fact, one of the reasons why Walker Kessler came back with the vengeance last season was because of his improved abilities as a rebounder. So, it's fair to suggest that Utah didn't necessarily need an elite rebounder on the team. However, with John Collins also gone, Nurkic could fill the void he left in that department.

The primary reason why Utah acquired Nurkic was to give their young guards more time to develop with Sexton gone. So why acquire Nurkic? Because they could then use the one ability Nurkic still has to market him to potential suitors.

While Nurkic might not be a starting center anymore in the NBA, his elite rebounding could attract the attention of a contender who is looking for just that. Every contender needs their boxes checked, and while Nurkic has his warts, his excellent rebounding could still change a contender's trajectory if he's in their rotation. His bulk and nose for the rebounds could be just the kind of infusion the right team would want and need.

Unfortunately, teams will be wary of the other option.

Contenders may wait until the Jazz buy out Nurkic

Nurkic is not only past his prime, but he is expensive, as he is owed lmost $19.4 million this season. That's not the worst contract in the NBA, but he is paid just a little too much for a team to want to acquire him. There's a reason why his previous two teams have straight up dumped him.

Because of that, contenders may wait until he hits the buyout market to pounce on him. However, that may not be the best strategy because he'll be up for grabs for anyone under the NBA's second tax apron.

It may not count for much, but what Utah does with Nurkic this season is something many will keep their eyes on. If he shows elite rebounding is very much in his arsenal, that could lead to yet another trade down the line. if Utah get something out of it, it could somewhat justify what still is considered a pretty awful move all-around.