The Suns Jusuf Nurkic center was put on the bench without ceremonies.
He did not play in nine consecutive games of the SUNS, all by decision of coach Mike Budenholzer. Before that, Budenholzer had transferred Nurkic to a reserve role after starting 23 games for the Suns this season. Phoenix is now going to the deadline for exchanges by trying to find a new house for Nurkic in an exchange (which will force the Suns to attach a first round choice to Nurkic and his salary, which includes $ 19.4 million guaranteed next season).
Nurkic had been a solid holder in the league for nine seasons before Budenholzer placed it on the bench, and Speak with Duane Rankin of the Republic of ArizonaNurkic thought about his situation and his relationship with his coach.
“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 happen, but there is no chaos or bring this to this team. They already have a lot.
Budenhozer replied that the two men had had conversations and he spoke in Nurkic about the effort required to return to the rotation.
Nurkic also said that he expects to be with the team after the deadline for exchanges because, with the Suns above the second tax apron (and concentrated on the arrival of Jimmy Butler in town), he n ‘There will probably be no exchange to make.
“Yes, of course,” he replied when he was asked if he thought he would be with the Suns after the deadline for exchanges. “Because we are the Phoenix Suns and we are new (collective agreement) and we respect all the rules, it is not easy to be exchanged when you have exceeded the second tax apron. Even that, I cannot not control …
“It was like that,” said Nurkic. “Life is not fair.”
It’s a bit dramatic for a guy who wins $ 18.1 million this season. Although it is easy to understand the frustration of Nurkic, he was a NBA holder for nine seasons and now watches the games from the bench.
The most used training of Suns this season and the ideal departure training for the start of the year -Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, Devin Booker, Tyus Jones and Nurkic -have a painful net note of -17,1.
Budenholzer not only arrested Nurkic and launched Mason Plumlee, he moved Bradley Beal on the bench and placed the Ryan Dunn recruit in the starting formation. This new starting five has a net note of +27.5, although in a small sample of less than 100 minutes in total. The Suns too exchanged for the Nick Richards center And athletics five played well in its four games with the team. All the changes led to a victory against the Suns 7-2 in the nine games missed by Nurkic.
This assessment means that Budenholzer is not about to change the situation of Nurkic. The only thing that will happen is an exchange that Nurkic does not expect.