Jusuf Nurkic’s Frustration with Phoenix Suns: A Deep Dive into the Center’s Strained Relationship with Coach Mike Budenholzer
In the world of professional basketball, relationships between players and coaches can often be as complex as the plays they execute on the court. This complexity is currently on full display with the Phoenix Suns, where center Jusuf Nurkic has openly expressed his dissatisfaction with his current status on the team. The situation has reached a point where Nurkic has revealed that he hasn’t spoken with head coach Mike Budenholzer in two months, candidly stating that the two “don’t have a relationship.”
Nurkic’s journey with the Suns this season has been tumultuous. After starting 23 games, he found himself benched earlier this month and has not played since January 7. The decision to bench him was not communicated directly by Budenholzer, leaving Nurkic in the dark about his absence from the January 9 game against the Atlanta Hawks. The recent 119-109 victory over the Washington Wizards marked the ninth consecutive game Nurkic has missed.
In a conversation with the Arizona Republic, Nurkic shared his perspective: “We don’t have a relationship. So, it’s fine. For me, just be a pro and do the best I can. Work and stay ready for whatever might be, but there is no chaos or bringing that to this team. They already have plenty of it. Trying to be as professional as I can and work my ass off for something else.”
Despite his frustrations, Nurkic has maintained a professional demeanor, focusing on his work ethic and readiness for future opportunities. His current averages stand at 8.6 points and 9.2 rebounds per game. The shift in the starting lineup saw Mason Plumlee taking over his spot when the Suns faced the Philadelphia 76ers on January 6. This marked Nurkic’s first time coming off the bench since the 2016-17 season with the Denver Nuggets, a time when Nikola Jokic emerged as the starting center.
Reflecting on his benching, Nurkic expressed his confusion: “It’s hard to understand why. As you know, I try to do whatever they want from me. I play my role or whatever, but at the end of the day, it’s the NBA.”
With Nurkic sidelined, Budenholzer has explored other options at the center position, including Plumlee and Nick Richards, who joined the Suns through a January 15 trade. Richards has made a significant impact, starting the past three games and delivering an impressive performance with 20 points and 19 rebounds in the recent win. Rookie Oso Ighodaro has also been given opportunities off the bench.
Addressing Nurkic’s comments, Budenholzer acknowledged the challenges: “It’s never easy in this league. He hasn’t played. I’m sure he’s frustrated, so I respect that.” He further explained, “There’s been conversations that have been had. There’s been communication, but you know, we got three or four guys who play the same position. We’re gonna go with who gives us our best chance. You’ve gotta earn your minutes, and that’s been communicated.”
Nurkic, for his part, holds no ill will towards his fellow big men: “I’m glad Bud find somebody who he like he can play. I think that’s refreshing for him to rotate four centers. I think that’s something that’s sustainable and that’s the NBA. I have nothing against Nick. Any way I can help, but I’m glad they found someone who they want to play.”
Having been traded to Phoenix in a three-team deal before the 2023-24 season, Nurkic started 76 games that year, averaging 10.9 points and 11 rebounds per game. Despite the current uncertainty, he remains optimistic about his future with the Suns, even as the February 6 trade deadline looms. “One door close, another will open eventually, sooner or later,” he said, adding, “It was what it is. Life is not fair.”
- Jusuf Nurkic has not played since January 7.
- He has not spoken with Coach Mike Budenholzer in two months.
- Nurkic is averaging 8.6 points and 9.2 rebounds this season.
- Nick Richards has started the past three games for the Suns.
- The Suns acquired Richards in a January 15 trade.
Originally Written by: ESPN.com
