The center of Phoenix Suns, Jusuf Nurkic (20) reacts after being called on a fault during the second half against the Hornets of Charlotte at the Spectrum Center. Compulsory credit: Sam Sharpe-Imagn Images
Jusuf nurkic apparently went from the departure center to Persona Non Grata with the Phoenix Suns in the NBA.
Nurkic has not played since a defeat of January 7 against the Charlotte Hornets when he scored eight points and dropped three rebounds in 19 minutes. It is nine games of the first year coach Mike Budenholzer who takes a different path at the center, a duration in which the Suns are 7-2.
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While the deadline for trade approached February 6, the 7 feet told the Republic of Arizona that it would not be surprised if the Suns did. It would not be surprised either if it remains due to challenges to a profession posed by the collective agreement.
Read: NBA Hanging, Nurkic Jusuf, PJ Washington
“This is what it is,” said Nurkic, whose availability was recently limited due to the flu. “Life is not fair.”
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Despite the disease, Nurkic told the Republic that Budenholzer did not tell him that he would not play on January 9 against the Atlanta Hawks in the middle of a period of two months that the two did not speak.
“We have no relationship,” said Nurkic. “So it’s okay. For me, just be a pro and do my best. Work and stay ready for everything that could be, but there is no chaos or bring this to this team. They already have a lot. Try to be as professional as possible and work my ass for something else. »»
Phoenix Suns’ head coach Mike Budenholzer calls his team during the third quarter against Dallas Mavericks at Footprint Center. Compulsory credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Nurkic, 30, was acquired by the Suns on September 27, 2023, in an agreement to three with the Blazers of Portland Trail and Milwaukee Bucks, with Jrue Holiday, Deandre Ayton and Damian Lillard Les Têtes -de -De -Trade.
He was in the third season of a $ 70 million contract over four years which he signed in July 2022 with the Trail Blazers.
Read: NBA: Suns and their Big 3 struggles with few easy solutions
Budenholzer told the Republic that he had spoken with Nurkic.
“There were conversations that had. There was a communication, but we have three or four guys who play the same position, “he said. “We are going to go with whom we think we are giving ourselves our best chance. You have to save your minutes. And it was communicated. »»
“It’s never easy in this league,” added Budenholzer. “He didn’t play. I’m sure he’s frustrated. I respect this.
The veteran Mason Plumlee and Nick Richards have become the Go-Tos des Suns in the center.
During his 11th NBA season, Nurkic was the 16th choice in total of the 2014 NBA draft. He played 564 games (481 departures) with the Denver Nuggets (2014-17), Blazers (2017-23) and Suns.
He has 12.0 points, 9.0 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game. This season, it has an average of 8.6 points and 9.2 rebounds in 25 games (23 departures).
Nurkic said he was ready for his next luck.
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“I know who I am as a person and as a player. As I said, a close door, another will ultimately open, “he said. “This is why I work and hope.” –Field level
