It’s a thigh contusion that will place Jusuf Nurkic on the bench.
The Phoenix Suns have grappled with a cascade of injuries to their starting five as the season unfolds, with no sign of relief in sight. Health, the same ominous hurdle that loomed over them last year, remains their greatest challenge. Entering this season, it was clear the team was navigating on borrowed time. Last year’s rare durability — 76 games from Jusuf Nurkic and 75 from Kevin Durant — was an anomaly, not a guarantee.
Now, both players have already missed time, and the trend seems destined to persist, underscored by the latest setback: Nurkic’s thigh injury.
Suns big Jusuf Nurkic re-evaluated in a week with a right thigh contusion. #Suns pic.twitter.com/ilmOQz3ziq
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) December 2, 2024
Through 16 games this season, Jusuf Nurkic has averaged 8.9 points — the lowest since his sophomore campaign in 2015-16 — along with 9.9 rebounds. His contributions have been intermittently disrupted by ankle issues, causing him to miss occasional games.
“It’s both ankles,” Nurkic recently stated, “so it’s like, you twist it a little bit here and there and then just keep playing and they get a little worse. Try to battle, but I’m just trying to be out there for my teammates…if I’m out there, no excuse.”
Now, a right thigh contusion will sideline the Bosnian Beast. Simply put, Nurkic has been battling multiple lower-body injuries, and the time has come to let him rest and recover.
The Suns are still working to find the right mix of successful rotations and are struggling to identify the combinations that give them the best chance to succeed. While I’m not suggesting benching Nurkic long-term, his time off could serve two purposes: allowing him to heal fully and exploring other rotation options to improve the team’s chemistry.
The starting five of Tyus Jones, Bradley Beal, Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Jusuf Nurkic have played together in 9 games this season, but just for 98 total minutes. They are a -28 in those minutes.
The Suns’ starting five (Jones, Beal, Booker, Durant, Nurkic) has played only 98 minutes across 9 games this season and is a -28 in those minutes. https://t.co/Qc5rsmF2zk
— John Voita (@DarthVoita) December 2, 2024
The Suns are still awaiting Bradley Beal’s return after he missed the Warriors game due to an ankle/calf injury. Unless he’s cleared soon, it seems Phoenix will once again be without two-fifths of their starting lineup. Again. Fortunately, Kevin Durant remains available, because when he’s out, losses tend to pile up.
For now, here’s wishing Nurkic a speedy recovery. Use this time to rest and recharge.