Jusuf Nurkic’s mental departure from the Suns is starting to show

Nurkic isn’t happy with his DNP’s.

There’s always some kind of circus swirling around the center position for the Phoenix Suns, and at this point, it feels like a permanent fixture in the Phoenix landscape. Once upon a time, it was Deandre Ayton. Enter Jusuf Nurkic, who’s trying his damnedest to play the role of “pro.” His message to the local media? “I won’t add to the chaos in the locker room.”

Well, buddy, that’s not exactly how it’s shaking out. Mission not accomplished.

The reason Jusuf Nurkic, who’s raking in $18.1 million this year (the fourth-highest salary on the Suns), isn’t starting — or even seeing significant playing time — is simple: he hasn’t earned it in the eyes of head coach Mike Budenholzer. After being benched on January 5, he played two games, then sat out for the next two. The Suns headed out on a five-game Eastern Conference road trip, but Nurkic, sidelined by an illness, didn’t even make the journey with the team.

The team that left Phoenix on January 14 was a far cry from the one that touched down at Sky Harbor on January 23. Along the way, they made a trade, bringing in Nick Richards from the Charlotte Hornets. In doing so, they added a center who brings qualities to the position that Jusuf Nurkic simply doesn’t…and can’t.

Richards brings a completely different style of play compared to Nurkic. Thanks to his athleticism, he’s quickly become a reliable lob threat for the Suns. His ability to roll off screens with precision and speed far surpasses Nurkic’s, and once he has the ball in hand, he finishes around the rim with ease.

Nick Richards has been incredibly efficient around the rim, posting a field goal percentage of 66.4% on 4.1 attempts per game with Charlotte this season. Since joining the Suns, that number has climbed to 77.8% on 4.5 attempts. In comparison, Jusuf Nurkic is shooting 59.2% on 3.0 attempts per game.

And then there’s the rebounding.

Nurkic has always prided himself on his defensive rebounding, relying on his size to box out opponents and let the ball come to him. It’s a tried-and-true method, but with Nick Richards on the court, things change. Richards doesn’t wait for the ball to come to him. He attacks it. Sure, he doesn’t get every rebound, but his relentless pursuit of the ball is undeniable.

Nurkic, on the other hand, has a different approach. If a rebound slips away or he feels outmuscled, his arms flail in frustration, his head hangs low, and he jogs back down the court, defeated. Instead of continuing to battle, he looks to the refs for an explanation. Richards? He keeps going. No sulking. No complaints. If the rebound doesn’t fall in his hands, he turns and gets back on defense, ready for the next play.

You can’t help but feel for Nurkic in this situation. It’s almost like he’s PFC David Webster from HBO’s Band of Brothers. Yeah, you heard me right. Another Band of Brothers reference. Bear with me.

Webster, part of Easy Company during World War II, parachuted into Normandy as part of Operation Overlord, fought through Operation Market Garden, and survived a brutal wound in the Netherlands. But after being shot, he had to spend time recovering while the rest of his company continued without him. By the time he rejoined Easy Company in Hagenau, France, it wasn’t the same. These men, hardened by battle, had endured hardships and shared experiences that Webster, who had been absent, couldn’t fully grasp anymore.

That’s where Nurkic seems to be now. It’s like he’s returned to a team that has evolved without him, and despite his size and experience, the Suns have become a different unit. One that he struggles to fit back into.

In response, Nurkic is lashing out. He’s “being professional,” or at least trying to frame it that way.

Is it the right move? Definitely not. Just take a look at Bradley Beal. Beal’s been juggling trade rumors while also facing a fan base that’s been slow to embrace him, partly because he plays the same position as Devin Booker, the 10-year star and hometown hero. But Beal? He’s handled the situation with nothing but professionalism, both in his actions and his words. And when the chance comes, he’s poised and ready to seize it.

Nurkic, on the other hand, seems to be letting frustration take the lead. It’s a different approach and one that’s certainly not doing him any favors.

Injuries are a part of the game. The Suns’ current center situation is temporary because, in this league, you never know what’ll happen from one game to the next. Nurkic will get another shot this season, and it’s on him to seize that opportunity. But comments like the ones he’s made paint a picture of someone already defeated, someone mentally checked out.

This is a recurring issue for Nurkic, dating back to his time with the Portland Trail Blazers. He was good…until he wasn’t. And once he soured, there was no coming back from it.

Is that where he’s at with the Suns? Has he soured? If so, the Suns could be stuck with a player set to make $19.4 million next season. One nobody wants.

And there he’ll sit on the bench, growing more disillusioned, frustrated that his team has moved on without him. He’ll take passive-aggressive shots at coaches, leadership, and maybe even teammates. What was once a small issue could become a cancer starting to grow within the locker room. And unfortunately, it seems like there’s no amount of chemotherapy that Phoenix can use to fix it.