ESPN: Suns Need to Play Jusuf Nurkic More

The Phoenix Suns made a mistake phasing the big man out of the rotation, according to ESPN.
Dec 27, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic (20) passes the ball against Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford (21) and guard Klay Thompson (31) during the second quarter at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Dec 27, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic (20) passes the ball against Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford (21) and guard Klay Thompson (31) during the second quarter at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
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PHOENIX -- Much has, and will continue to be made, about what the Phoenix Suns need to do in order to turn things around.

The Suns were once one of the hottest teams in the league at the start of the 2024-25 season, though a mix of issues plagued Phoenix since, leaving the door open for a massive move to potentially save the season (Jimmy Butler, anyone?) before it's too late.

Former starting center Jusuf Nurkic has slowly but surely been phased out of Phoenix's lineup, having not played since Jan. 7 and not logging more than 20 minutes in a game since Christmas Day.

ESPN says that's been a mistake.

In their evaluation of playoff contenders and what changes they need to make, writer Neil Paine says getting Nurkic back on the hardwood will help:

"Getting Nurkić on the court more would have helped after the former DPOY candidate missed a lot of time over the past few months. However, it's difficult to see what kind of effect he will have after recently stating that he and Budenholzer "don't have a relationship." And as Marks writes, he is likely to be traded, given he has a cap hit ($18 million) that can actually be workable for deals under the CBA's salary-matching rules. But he and Mason Plumlee have been part of the only two Phoenix five-man units that were actually good defensively."

ESPN's Neil Paine on Jusuf Nurkic

Since Nurkic last played, the Suns are 8-2 and have climbed up to eighth in the Western Conference postseason picture.

Phoenix recently acquired a new starting center in Nick Richards, who has started four of the five games played with the Suns so far and is averaging 11.8 points and 11.2 rebounds per night.

Sledding has been tough for Nurkic, who recently opened up on his relationship with head coach Mike Budenholzer:

“We don’t have a relationship,” Nurkic said. “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.”

Phoenix is reportedly trying to deal Nurkic ahead of the Feb. 6 trade deadline.


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Donnie Druin
DONNIE DRUIN

Donnie Druin is the Publisher for All Cardinals and Inside The Suns. Donnie moved to Arizona in 2012 and has been with Fan Nation since 2018. In college he won "Best Sports Column" in the state of Arizona for his section and has previously provided coverage for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Arizona State Sun Devils. Follow Donnie on Twitter @DonnieDruin for more news, updates, analysis and more!