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Blazers C Jusuf Nurkic says his grandmother is in coma with COVID-19: 'Wear the damn mask'

After more than a year away from the court due to a gruesome leg injury and the coronavirus pandemic, Portland Trail Blazers center Jusuf Nurkic finally made his season debut at Disney World on Friday.

He apparently did so with a heavy heart, as he revealed to reporters after the game that his 67-year-old grandmother is in a coma with COVID-19. He reportedly even considered exiting the bubble to be with her.

The Bosnian big man had one piece of advice for his followers in light of that fact: “Wear the damn mask.”

“I want to say something for the record,” Nurkic said. “Last couple days were the hardest days of my life. My grandma got COVID. She’s in the hospital. She’s in a coma. I think people don’t realize this s--- is real out there.”

Nurkic went on to say he considered leaving the bubble after hearing the news. An exit from the bubble with an excused absence would have meant a mandatory four-day quarantine for Nurkic upon return, as well as the obvious risks of traveling during a pandemic.

Nurkic isn’t alone among NBA players in watching family members experience dangerous cases of COVID-19. Minnesota Timberwolves star Karl-Anthony Towns’ mother died from the virus in April, and the big man has used her story to urge fans to realize the threat of the pandemic is real.

Long-awaited return for Jusuf Nurkic

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - JULY 31: Jaren Jackson Jr. #13 of the Memphis Grizzlies defends Jusuf Nurkic #27 of the Portland Trail Blazers during the second half at The Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on July 31, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
It had to be an emotional day for Jusuf Nurkic. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

The last time Nurkic had appeared in an NBA game was March 25, 2019. Amid a career season, Nurkic experienced a compound fracture of his left tibia and fibula while coming down from a rebound in a double-overtime game.

Nurkic was on track to return on March 15 earlier this season, but Rudy Gobert’s positive COVID-19 test shut the NBA season down four days before that date. It would be four months until the Blazers’ next game.

Nurkic finished with 18 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists in a win against the Memphis Grizzlies.

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