Suns HC Budenholzer calls Jusuf Nurkić ‘a pro’ after NBA trade rumors bench him | News, results, highlights, statistics and rumors
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Suns HC Budenholzer calls Jusuf Nurkić ‘a pro’ after NBA trade rumors bench him | News, results, highlights, statistics and rumors

Posted on by Amelia Pressman

TEMPE, AZ – OCTOBER 19: Jusuf Nurkic #20 and head coach Mike Budenholzer of the Phoenix Suns speak during the Phoenix Suns public scrimmage on October 19, 2024 at Mullet Arena in Tempe, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is agreeing to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Barry Gossage / NBAE via Getty Images)

Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images

Phoenix Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer expects veteran center Jusuf Nurkić to answer the call if he is reinstated to the team’s roster.

Nurkić didn’t see the floor in the Suns’ 114-106 victory over the Utah Jazz on Saturday, his second straight healthy scratch.

“He’s a professional,” Budenholzer told reporters about the big man. “He has to be ready. Everyone deserves their minutes. Everyone deserves their chances. We’re going to need everyone as we go through the season.”

Duane Rankin @Duane Rankin

“Collect minutes.”
Suns coach Mike Budenholzer when asked about Jusuf Nurkic not playing for the second straight game.
Said Nurkic had to be ready and talked about combinations.
It was later discussed what Oso Ighodaro brings to the team as a replacement for Mason Plumlee. #Suns pic.twitter.com/W1Oq5ne0l2

Nurkić missed three games due to suspension until the end of December and the beginning of this month. When he was eligible to play again, Budenholzer brought him off the bench in a 109-99 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on January 6th.

It was the first time since 2016-17 that the 7-footer was used in a reserve role. Now he no longer sees the court at all.

Budenholzer’s decision is understandable given the numbers. Nurkić is averaging just 8.6 points on 45.5 percent shooting and 9.2 rebounds. The Suns have also maintained a net rating of minus-6.5 with him on the field, per NBA.com.

However, demoting a long-time starter always risks creating a difficult dynamic in the locker room, and dumping Nurkić will be more difficult for Phoenix if he doesn’t play. The Republic of Arizona‘s Duane Rankin reported in December that the team was “actively looking” to trade him.

At the end of the day, Budenholzer is tasked with doing what he believes is best for the Suns, who need a spark as they sit at 18-19 and in 11th place in the Western Conference.

Considering Phoenix has won three of its last four games with Mason Plumlee as the starter and Nurkić on the bench, the experiment may not end anytime soon.

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