Speaking after the Suns‘ 119-109 win over the Wizards, Jusuf Nurkic, who missed his ninth consecutive game since January 7th, spoke to the Arizona Republic after the game. He noted that he has no relationship with Suns coach Mike Budenholzer, but will continue to remain a professional, despite his role diminishing over the last few weeks.
“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.”
Nurkic added that he isn’t particularly sure why he was moved to the bench and hasn’t had many opportunities to play. But he doesn’t dwell on that too much and understands that this is the way the NBA is.
“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.”
As for the role of new arrival Nick Richards, who has seemingly taken his place in the starting lineup, Nurkic was nothing but positive, noting that he is glad that the head coach has found a player that he wants to use in the starting lineup in the way that he had hoped. There is no ill will and Nurkic believes the depth will help the Suns.
“I’m glad Bud find somebody who he likes 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.”
For his part, Mike Budenholzer responded to ESPN about Nurkic’s comments, claiming that he completely understands the frustration on Nurkic’s part, and they have spoken. As head coach, Bud feels he needs to do what is best for the team and make sure that all his rotation players at the center position earn their keep on the team.
“It’s never easy in this league. He hasn’t played. I’m sure he’s frustrated, so I respect that… 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 started 23 games for the Suns this season before Mike Budenholzer made the call to bench him and Bradley Beal for the foreseeable future. Many speculated that this move was being made as a trade was nearby. But it appears that the Suns head coach just wanted to change things up as their team was in a poor run of form.
For the season, Nurkic has averaged 8.6 points, 9.2 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 0.9 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game. It remains to be seen whether he is traded, and Nurkic does run the risk of becoming their fourth-option center if he doesn’t get traded soon.
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