NBA: Top 10 interior defenders so far this season

#4 Jusuf Nurkic - Portland Trail Blazers

Nurkic alters a shot by Mason Plumlee

The Trail Blazers' 2016-17 season saw a major turnaround in fortunes when they traded for Jusuf Nurkic, who was languishing deep in the Denver Nuggets' frontcourt rotation before the move. Post his move to Portland, he led the Trail Blazers on a tearing run through the Western Conference's remaining regular season games, and it was his injury that blighted any hopes the Trail Blazers had of upending the Golden State Warriors in the first round last year.

This season, the 'Nurk', when available, has been a monster on the defensive end for the franchise. While Lillard and McCollum make hay on opponents with their scoring punch, the Trail Blazers need Nurkic playing at their best to have a realistic chance against elite teams like Golden State, whom they've beaten twice in the last 4 weeks.

Nurkic has by far the best defensive rating of any Blazers starter at 102.3. He ranks second on the team in defensive win shares, and his shotblocking presence alters a number of field goal attempts by opposition players. Expect the Trail Blazers to make a strong playoff run with Nurkic playing this time.