There are mostly just two ways to lead life. One, settle for what you’ve achieved with limited input, or two, stretch big-time to strive for greatness. In the NBA, the ones that choose the latter are mostly invited into the coveted All-star category. For the current Blazers squad, Damian Lillard is the only name (apart from Carmelo Anthony) that strikes the mind when discussing this category.

However, as a matter of fact, a team must have at least two All-star caliber players to make far enough to lift a championship. In the Portland Trail Blazers, the next big man is their center player, Jusuf Nurkic. Can he lift himself up and match the Lillard/Melo level?

Trail Blazers’ center revealed competitive personal goals

Jusuf Nurkic was drafted overall 16th by the Chicago Bulls (2014) but was later sent to the Denver Nuggets. He then moved to the Blazers in 2016. The 7-footer has played multiple regular-season where he averaged 15+ points at 50%+ FG and also recorded 10+ rebounds. He has proved to be an extraordinary talent.

In a recent interview, he expressed, “I want to be an All-Star. And I know I’m capable of that.” The 26-YO Bosnian star further added, “In Portland, we need to have a hell of a season. And I need to have a hell of a season. As a team and as a player. So, I know all of the stuff we need to, you know… especially in the West.

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“So, the West is the best. I know that. But, same time, I’m not really approaching myself as an All-Star category for all the reasons. I want team success first, so if that happens, you know, great. But at the same time, this is the, I think definitely this is the season for us.”

He is an honest team-player, and his personal ambition to become an All-star will eventually be beneficial for the Blazers, especially for Damian Lillard, who desperately needs someone to back him and CJ McCollum. 

How is an NBA All-star team formed?

It is fairly simple. The two All-star teams are formed out of 24 players. The best two players from each conference become the captains of their respective teams. Last year, LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo enjoyed this honor. Now, these two captains take alternate chances to select players from a diverse pool of 22 remaining players from the chosen All-stars.

The starting five of both the teams are selected by the votes of fans (50% weightage), media (25%), and the current players (25%). All in all, one must be 360 degrees impressive to find his name into the All-stars. This selection criterion makes it worthy of all the hype. 

Now, Jusuf Nurkic averaged 14.2 points, 10.4 rebs, and 1.4 steals in the NBA Playoffs 2020. But he will need to achieve even better results that can drive his team towards some initial wins if he wants himself in the All-star conversation.