After struggling to figure out where he fit in during his first few season in the NBA, Jusuf Nurkić has found a home in Portland with the Trail Blazers. And thanks in part to his success in Portland, he’s able to help others find homes as well.
The 7-0 center from Bosnia and Herzegovina recently purchased a home for a struggling family in his native country with the assistance of the Pomozi.ba Association, a nonprofit that “helps vulnerable people throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina and beyond.”
According to Nurkić, who generally prefers to keep his philanthropy out of the public eye, he was moved to help the Memisevic’s in part because he saw himself in their son, Adin.
“I bought the house for the family who was really struggling back home,” said Nurkić via text message. “This family’s situation hit me hard. I saw a similarity. When I was growing up as a kid I never have my own room. This family has a kid and his only wish was to have his own room.”
Thanks to Nurkić, that wish has been granted. And while he would usually prefer to keep his good deeds quiet, he hopes that perhaps assisting the Memisevic’s might inspire others to do something similar.
“The main thing for me is to encourage people to help each other,” said Nurkić via text. “Because at the end of the day, every act of kindness will help make a better world.”