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Jusuf Nurkic, the center for the Phoenix Suns, has been sidelined since January 7 after initially starting the first 23 games of the season and subsequently being benched.
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The big man from the Suns expressed both confusion and discontent regarding his current situation with the team, particularly his strained relations with coach Mike Budenholzer. Nurkic revealed a notable lack of communication between himself and Budenholzer, mentioning that they had not spoken for two months at one point this season. He was notably absent from play, recorded as a DNP (Coach’s Decision) on January 9, without prior notice from Budenholzer.
“We don’t have a relationship,” Nurkic disclosed to Duane Rankin of Arizona Republic. “It’s fine. I’m focusing on staying professional and preparing for whatever comes next, without adding to the existing challenges of the team.”
“I’m committed to handling this professionally and working hard towards other opportunities,” he added.
Shortly after being moved to a bench role, which hadn’t happened since the 2016-17 season, Nurkic was out due to the flu, missing four games. He is now physically ready and eligible to rejoin the team’s active lineup.
In response to Nurkic’s comments about their lack of relationship, Budenholzer, in his first year as the Suns’ coach, acknowledged the situation after a victory against the Washington Wizards, saying, “He hasn’t played, I’m sure he’s frustrated, so I respect that.”
Mike Budenholzer on Jusuf Nurkic saying they don’t have a relationship: “He hasn’t played, I’m sure he’s frustrated, so I respect that.”
Have they talked?
“Conversations have been had. There’s been communication…you gotta earn your minutes, and that’s been communicated” pic.twitter.com/53jmo0uRKl
— Gerald Bourguet (@GeraldBourguet) January 26, 2025
“It’s never easy in this league,” Budenholzer continued. “There’s been conversations that have been had. There’s been communication, but we’ve got three or four guys that play the same position. We’re going to go with who we think gives us our best chance. You’ve got to earn your minutes. And that’s been communicated.”
Besides Nurkic, the Suns also have three other centers, Nick Richards, Mason Plumlee, and Oso Ighodaro, competing for playing time. Richards has recently become the starting center after joining the team through a trade earlier in the month.
According to Rankin, the Suns are actively attempting to trade Nurkic before the February 6 deadline, although he is under contract until the 2026-27 season. Nurkic himself believes he will remain with the team past the deadline.
If Nurkic stays, it seems imperative that something changes in his dynamic with Coach Budenholzer.
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Mike Johnson is a passionate news writer with a keen interest in current events. With over a decade of experience in journalism, he has a talent for uncovering the stories that matter most. Mike’s insightful articles and in-depth analyses have made him a trusted voice in the industry. He thrives on staying ahead of the news curve, providing readers with timely and relevant information. Whether it’s breaking news, politics, or social issues, Mike’s dedication to the craft ensures that his readers are always well-informed.