Peaks and Valleys: The Jusuf Nurkic journey in Phoenix so far

Highs, lows, and adjusting to a new system.

We’re learning plenty about the Phoenix Suns through the first eight games of the season. We’re seeing how the pieces fit together, how Coach Budenholzer manages them, and how it all translates to winning. We’re discovering the value of our 28th overall pick and what stability brings with players like Tyus Jones facilitating the offense. We’re experiencing what a three-point shooting team can do and how they are never out of a game.

But we’re also being reminded of some things.

Kevin Durant, for example, is reaffirming that he’s one of the all-time greats, effortlessly making some of the toughest shots in basketball. We’re seeing how execution on the defensive end fuels offensive success.

And we’re reminded that a mid-level center like Jusuf Nurkic has his ups and downs. The boat rocks from time to time, and keeping balance should be the focus.

It’s been an interesting start to the season for Nurkic. The Suns faced the Lakers twice in their first four games, and that matchup didn’t favor him. At all. He was “pwned”, as the kids on Callof Duty say.

He struggles against athletic centers that can stretch the floor; perimeter defense is a known weakness. Against players with any semblance of a credible three-point shot, it’s practically an uncontested look, as Nurkic’s lack of agility leaves him vulnerable. If he tries to close out, he can quickly become a traffic cone, allowing players to drive past him into the paint with ease.

This was exposed early and often by Anthony Davis, one of the league’s best at the position. The frustration with Nurkic was palpable.

Valley.

As the season has progressed, however (and the team hasn’t faced the Lakers again), Nurkic is showing why he’s paid $18.1 million a year. He’s a dominant force on the boards who, while limited offensively, provides a solid interior option. His passing skills add value, and as he finds his place within Budenholzer’s system, we’re seeing fewer turnovers and greater confidence.

Last season, Nurkic was relied upon heavily as a facilitator due to the Suns’ lack of a true point guard. This year, that’s no longer necessary. We don’t need Point Nurk anymore. While it’s nice that he can make quality passes, his main role isn’t as the primary facilitator. It feels weird saying it, but he needs to play more like Mason Plumlee has: just own that paint Nurk Daddy.

As Nurkic has adjusted to this role — something that he will continue to do for some time — he’s been a steady contributor for Phoenix.

When Nurkic faces less athletic centers or those with limited perimeter games (looking at you, Bam), he shines. Since this past Saturday, over the last three games for Phoenix, Nurk is averaging 12 points and 16 rebounds a game. That 16 is tied with Giannis Antetokounmpko for third during the same time period, just behind Karl Anthony-Towns and Nikola Jokic. He is also a team-best +36 in the same time frame.

Peak.

This serves as a reminder that with the 18th highest-paid center in the league, you’ll get some strong performances and some rough ones. Some studs and some duds. He has games where he shines and elevates those around him, but there will also be off nights. The Suns are 7-1 right now, and Nurkic has played his part in that.

I understand where critics are coming from when they look at the roster construction and question if the Suns can win a championship with Nurkic at center. They’re not wrong. We know he can be played off the floor in certain matchups. In a seven-game series, teams can exploit his perimeter defense, reducing his overall impact. That creates a domino effect…if he’s pulled out, the team may struggle with rebounding and rim protection. Wash, rinse, repeat.

Like every team, the Suns have roster gaps, and Nurkic is the most obvious one. Can this issue be solved? Possibly, though we’re all pondering how. Maybe it’s schematic; maybe roster moves could bolster the center position. Time will tell.

For now, let’s keep perspective when Nurkic has an off game and not over-celebrate when he excels. Appreciate the peaks and know that they, like the valleys, are not permanent.