The Phoenix Suns have lost three straight and ten of their last 14 to fall to tenth in the Western Conference. They have just one win in ten games without Kevin Durant. Luckily, the future Hall of Famer is nearing a return, but his absence has put several other issues on display. Bradley Beal is not playing like a star, but Jusuf Nurkic has become a larger problem.
The Suns acquired him in the Deandre Ayton deal. It was time to move on from the former number one overall draft pick, and Phoenix hoped Nurkic’s versatility would help them stay in contention. The 30-year-old is dealing with an ankle injury and has an extensive history of missing time. Even when healthy, Nurkic is struggling and putting the Suns in a difficult spot.
His playing time and production are down, but the Suns do not have anyone better at the five. Mason Plumlee and Bol Bol are the other center options. Both are suited for a reserve role, and KD is the best small-ball option. The Suns cannot play Nurkic unless his production improves, which further complicates their roster issues.
Jusuf Nurkic is becoming unplayable for the Suns
For the season, Nurkic averages 8.9 points, 9.9 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 0.9 steals, and 0.6 blocks in 24.1 minutes per game. The addition of Tyus Jones has taken away his playmaking with Nurkic producing a negative assist-to-turnover ratio. The seven-footer is shooting 42.0 percent from the field and 29.8 percent on his threes over 16 contests. He has not played since Nov. 27 because of an ankle injury.
The advanced metrics are significantly worse. Nurkic has a negative-0.2 value over replacement player (VORP) and a negative-4.0 box score plus-minus. The Suns score 6.8 more points per 100 possessions with him on the bench. Their defense is better, but they have a negative net rating with Nurkic in the game.
Bill Simmons was quick to blast Nurkic on multiple occasions during his recent podcast, including saying this.
"Nurkic is pretty much unplayable, so they are leaning on Plumlee now as their center.”
His counting stats are some of the lowest of his career, and the Suns took the ball out of his hands. Nurkic is a strong rebounder, but his defense has slipped with his diminishing offensive role. The Suns want to be title contenders and cannot afford to have a negative in their starting group.
Nurkic does not become a free agent until the summer of 2026 and is owed $37.5 million over the next two seasons. It is a hefty price to pay for an ill-fitting big man, but the Suns targeted him in their Ayton trade. Phoenix would be wise to trade for an upgrade at the five or they will be searching free agency for an answer.
The Phoenix Suns must solve their center woes. Jusuf Nurkic is not the answer, and the franchise must look outside their organization for it. Finding a big man that protects the rim and finishes lobs would be ideal. No team will be eager to take back Nurk’s contract. It is further complicated by the Suns being over the second tax apron. Making any trade is difficult and sending out Nurkic is more challenging.
They cannot keep Nurkic in the lineup if they want to contend. It is an issue that Phoenix must solve before the Feb. 6 trade deadline. If not, it could be another fast exit in the postseason.