Love, Nurkic Praise Jazz Culture, Opportunity For Youth
Jan 7, 2026, 2:06 PM | Updated: Jan 8, 2026, 9:25 am
Utah Jazz forward Kevin Love, right, talks with center Jusuf Nurkić (Credit: Isaac Hale, Deseret News)
(Credit: Isaac Hale, Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY – In the midst of another losing season, veterans Kevin Love and Jusuf Nurkic are raving about the culture inside the Utah Jazz organization.
In separate appearances, the two experienced big men celebrated their first year in Utah under head coach Will Hardy.
Related: Do The Jazz Need Their 2026 First Round Pick?
Kevin Love Praises His Unexpected Time With Jazz
On “The Old Man and The Three” podcast, Love shared his thoughts on joining Utah and the wisdom he’s passing on to younger players.
“I tell the guys, like, you don’t know how good you have it here,” Love said.
Love, 37, arrived in Utah via trade during the 2025 offseason. Many doubted he would ever suit up for the Jazz, but he has played a key role on the court while mentoring the team in the locker room.
“It’s on the veterans and guys like myself to let them know, like, ‘Hey, you have an unbelievable opportunity here to grow and play the long game,'” Love added.
sometimes you just have to clear out and let the vet cook 👏 pic.twitter.com/M2e8FFs6un
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) January 4, 2026
Now in his 18th season, Love has experienced the highs and lows of the NBA. He highlighted what makes the Jazz unique, pointing to owner Ryan Smith and CEO Danny Ainge.
“You have an owner that knows your name — like every player,” Love said. “And then you have a GM, a president, you have Danny Ainge, that is like, ‘No, no, we believe in you. We want you to grow.'”
Love also credited head coach Will Hardy for building a strong team culture.
“You’re allowed to have mistakes, and we’re going to have grace in allowing you to take a step forward and be better and get better,” Love said of the coaching staff’s approach. “We want to improve so that you’re one of our guys, and we’re going to build you up through this roster and through this organization. Will just puts his arm around him and is like, ‘You’re good.’ You don’t get that everywhere.”
Jusuf Nurkic Credits Jazz With Revitalizing His Career
Nurkic joined Utah in a trade that sent Collin Sexton and a second-round pick to the Charlotte Hornets.
Sexton was coming off a stronger season than Nurkic and, at just 26, fit the Jazz’s timeline better.
After a rocky 2024-25 season split between the Suns and Hornets, Nurkic has been a revelation in Utah.
“Life [is] up and down, and you want to get away [from] what is wrong, and no respect, you’re looking for opportunity, and [to] feel wanted,” Nurkic said.
I did not understand the Collin Sexton/Jusuf Nurkic trade over the summer, but Nurk has proven to be very valuable on and off the court for the @utahjazz.
He was very complimentary of the team’s culture, his teammates, and the FO after Tuesday’s loss. pic.twitter.com/sDM2TWVD1j
— Ben Anderson (@BensHoops) January 1, 2026
The center spent the final month of his Phoenix tenure on the bench and played reserve minutes in Charlotte.
But after Walker Kessler suffered a season-ending shoulder injury just five games into the season, Nurkic became one of Utah’s biggest surprises.
“It’s definitely the most fun I’ve had in a few years now,” Nurkic admitted. “It’s just the support. I can’t really stress enough how this organization is good.”
While not discrediting his previous NBA stops, the Bosnian big man praised Utah’s environment.
“I don’t know if it’s the new owner, or Danny, or all the you know staff we have,” Nurkic said. “Me and Kevin talk every day. Like, the young guys, we have such a great thing here. The people don’t understand how it’s somewhere else, not talking back to any bad thing. But it’s such a great environment, and you have everything you need to succeed.”
Nurk’s 7-0 run,,, all in one clip 🫡#TakeNote | @bosnianbeast27 pic.twitter.com/jUKaacafag
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) January 6, 2026
Echoing Love, Nurkic praised the Jazz coaching staff for empowering players.
“[Will] takes time with me and on the court, when the game is coming, and is just like, ‘Take your time, we believe in you,'” Nurkic said.
The 31-year-old has been instrumental in Utah’s offense this season, ranking third in assists and fifth in points.
“Trusting me with minutes and shots, not complaining when I take shots sometimes early in the clock — it just does a lot as far as building the confidence for the players, he’s truly good at that [with] everybody,” Nurkic said.
Both Love and Nurkic are playing on expiring contracts this season.
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Ben Anderson is the Utah Jazz insider for KSL Sports and the co-host of Jake and Ben from 10-12p with Jake Scott on 97.5 The KSL Sports Zone. Find Ben on Twitter at @BensHoops, on Instagram @BensHoops, or on BlueSky.
