Utah Jazz center Jusuf Nurkic will undergo nose surgery this week and miss the remainder of the season, head coach Will Hardy announced before Monday's game against the Houston Rockets. The 31-year-old has been dealing with a severe deviated septum that required multiple facial injuries to address.

Nurkic's condition worsened after recent illness, prompting the team to schedule the procedure now. The seven-year veteran averaged 10.9 points and 10.4 rebounds in 41 games during his first season with Utah. His absence creates a significant void in the Jazz's frontcourt rotation.

Hardy emphasized Nurkic's importance to the team's success this season, noting his contributions in multiple facets of the game. The Bosnian center is scheduled to become a free agent after the season, making this surgery a critical factor in his market value. His recovery timeline will likely impact contract negotiations this summer.