Suns’ Jusuf Nurkić: I ‘don’t have a relationship’ with HC Mike Budenholzer

Phoenix Suns center Yusuf Nurkic He was benched earlier this month and has not appeared in a game since January 7. Furthermore, Nurkic revealed a bitter truth about his relationship with head coach Mike Budenholzer.

“We have no relationship” Nurkic said After Phoenix won Washington Saturday night.

“So, it’s okay. For me, just be professional and do my best. Work and prepare for whatever it may be, but no chaos or bringing that to this team. They already have a lot of it. I try to be as professional as possible and work hard for something else.” “

Budenholzer also offered his perspective on the matter.

“It’s never easy in this league,” Budenholzer said of Nurkic. “He didn’t play. I’m sure he’s disappointed. I respect that.”

Nurkic, who has averaged 23.7 minutes per contest in 25 games (23 starts) this season, is averaging 8.6 points and 9.2 rebounds per game. He is a three-time All-Star Bradley Bell Removed from the rookie starting five Ryan Dunn And the center Mason Plumlee.

However, Beal remained part of the rotation, while Nurkic appeared in two games off the bench and has not played since. After burying Nurkic on the depth chart, Phoenix acquired the big man Nick Richards from Charlotte Hornets Earlier this month.

Last season, Nurkic averaged 10.9 points and 11.0 rebounds in 27.3 minutes per game across 76 regular-season contests. The veteran center is in his second season with the Sun. Before joining Phoenix in 2023, Nurkic spent more than six seasons with the team Portlandwith a period of more than two years with Denver Preceding his time with the Trail Blazers.

Nurkic, 30, is in the third season of a four-year, $70 million contract. The sun was in Hot pursuit to Miami star Jimmy Butlerwho is looking for trade; the NBA The trade deadline is February 6.

The Suns are 23-21, good for the eighth seed in the Western Conference. They have won seven of their last nine games, with Nurkic not seeing the floor once during that span.

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