The Phoenix Suns are desperately trying to improve their record and stay put for a playoff run this season. Coming into their latest game against the Atlanta Hawks, the Suns made some aggressive changes. And it included their starting center, Jusuf Nurki,c from their team. Surprisingly, the move paid off, the Suns won 123-115, inching closer to .500. With the win, the Suns’ record also improved to 17 wins and 19 losses this season.
However, such a decision did not sit well with Nurkic. After initial reports claimed that Nurkic was on the bench despite being perfectly healthy, the Suns’ head coach made another surprising comment. It was assumed that Nurkic was benched due to the matchup. But HC Mike Budenholzer stated that he simply wanted to bench the 30-year-old.
“Yeah, just went with Mason and Oso tonight. Again, just always trying to figure out what’s best for the team and find the right combinations, the right group… We just went with Mason and Oso,” said Budenholzer.
Jusuf Nurkic is not injured – him not playing tonight against Atlanta is a coaching decision based on matchups.
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) January 10, 2025
Quite expected, Nurkic seemed frustrated about the entire incident. Speaking on the matter, Nurkic stated, “No comment, man. Just be a pro and get ready. That’s all.” Now, such a situation has sparked trade rumors for Nurkic. While nothing is confirmed yet, it remains to be seen whether the 30-year-old requests for a change of jersey logos. However, this is not the first time the Suns have benched Nurkic.
Phoenix Suns Made A Tough Call Regarding Jusuf Nurkic Previously Too
Jusuf Nurkic has not been in good form recently. Having played 23 matches this season, his per-game average sits at a mere 8.8 points. The 30-year-old has also averaged 1.9 assists and 9.5 rebounds per game, making matters worse. Thus, with his form not looking promising, the Suns’ management decided to drop him against their match with the Philadelphia 76ers.
“I received pretty significant news out of Phoenix; sources relayed to me that Bradley Beal and Jusuf Nurkis will be removed from the starting lineup starting Monday at Philadelphia. And in their place they’ll be starting rookie Ryan Dunn and Mason Plumlee,” confirmed NBA Insider Chris Haynes.
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Sources: In midst of 4-game losing streak and tension in locker room, Phoenix expected to make drastic change by removing Bradley Beal, Jusuf Nurkic from starting lineup beginning Monday at Philadelphia. #haynesbriefs pic.twitter.com/utz0FNLppB
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) January 6, 2025
Thus, with yet another DNP status, Jusuf Nurkic’s future with the Suns does not look good. It will now be interesting to see whether a transfer is truly on the cards or whether Nurkic can turn the tables around with an incredible performance.
