Jusuf Nurkić and Mike Budenholzer are not in the right place.
The Phoenix Suns Center, which lost its job of departure earlier this month alongside Bradley Beal, revealed that he had gone two months without speaking with his head coach. Although this is one thing during an offseason, it is another in the middle of a season where the two should communicate regularly.
When Nurkić was bench for a match on January 9 against the Atlanta Hawks, he did not hear Budenholzer about the decision.
“We have no relationship,” said Nurkić on Saturday, via the Republic of Arizona. “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. »»
Nurkić has not played for the Suns since January 7 and was replaced in the initial formation by Mason Plumlee and Nick Richards. He missed part of this section due to the flu and missed a team road trip because of this, but he is available to take over the court.
“It’s never easy in this league,” said Budenholzer on Saturday evening. “He didn’t play, I’m sure he is frustrated. I respect that.
“There were conversations that had. There was a communication, but we have three or four guys who play the same position. 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. »»
Nurkić has an average of 8.6 points and 9.2 rebounds this season, his second with the Suns. The 30 -year -old is in the third year of a $ 70 million contract over four years which he signed with the Portland Trail Blazers. He started throughout his stay in Portland and was in fact not released from the bench since he supported Nikola Jokić at the start of his career in Denver.
The Suns, thanks to a 119-109 victory against Washington Wizards on Saturday evening, hold a 23-21 file. This marked his seventh victory in their last nine games. They welcome the Clippers next Monday.
The Suns have been the subject of many commercial rumors in recent weeks, in particular by involving the dissatisfied star of Miami Heat Jimmy Butler. They also exchanged a series of recovery choices. Nurkić was linked to commercial talks, although it is not clear if the Suns will move it before the deadline of February 6.
“It is difficult to understand why [I’m not starting anymore]”Said Nurkić. “As you know, I’m trying to do what they want from me. I play my role or something else, but in the end, it’s the NBA. That’s why [Suns rookie Oso Ighodaro] And young guys can play. He’s still the next man, but I’m just glad I’m not there for two minutes.
“I know who I am as a person and as a player. As I said, one door closes, another will ultimately open. This is what I work and hoping. “”