Standing tall but limited: Examining the Suns’ center position

Highlighting the Suns’ center position: Is there cause for concern?

The Phoenix Suns are now 3-1 after taking down the Los Angeles Lakers, thanks to an impressive offensive output from Devin Booker and Kevin Durant, along with a solid defensive stand by Royce O’Neal and Ryan Dunn. Booker and Durant combined for a flurry of points, showcasing their scoring versatility and giving the Suns an edge in a highly competitive matchup.

The Suns do face an issue and it might not even be an issue. It is the inconsistency from Jusuf Nurkic and the depth at the center position. We all know that Nurkic will struggle in a matchup against Lakers center Anthony Davis, but is he too far in his head about things where it is affecting his play?

The mental aspect of the game can be just as crucial as physical ability, and Nurkic’s confidence may be wavering after tough performances. Additionally, the Suns need reliable contributions from their bench to alleviate some pressure on Nurkic, especially in high-stakes games.

If Nurkic can find a way to regain his composure, he could still prove to be a valuable asset for Phoenix. However, if his struggles continue, the Suns may need to explore other options to solidify their center position moving forward.

Or maybe we can ignore it for now?

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Jusuf Nurkic

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Jusuf Nurkic had a breakthrough performance Saturday night against the Dallas Mavericks, posting 18 points and 14 rebounds. However, it isn’t just the box score that matters; it’s what’s going on in his head that truly counts. As a veteran, Nurkic faces the challenge of managing expectations, both his own and those of his teammates. He will need to focus on building on this performance while minimizing mistakes and ensuring he keeps his teammates engaged. That’s a heavy burden for anyone to carry, especially a player who has had his share of ups and downs.

To truly thrive, Nurkic must find a balance between the pressures of the game and the joy of playing. If he can channel the same carefree spirit as Bradley Beal, it could unlock his full potential and transform his contributions on the court.

Embracing the fun aspects of the game could help him regain confidence and allow his natural skills to shine through. Ultimately, Nurkic’s success will hinge on his ability to let go of overthinking and simply play his game, benefiting both himself and the team in the long run. If he can achieve this mindset, the Suns will have a much stronger presence in the paint, making them a formidable opponent throughout the season.

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Mason Plumlee

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Averaging 17.3 minutes per game, Mason Plumlee logged his most significant playing time against the Lakers on Monday night, with 26 minutes on the court. However, he was not particularly noticeable during the game, which might actually be what the Suns are looking for in a center if other options are limited.

A big body who can set screens, grab rebounds, and avoid costly turnovers can be invaluable to the team. Plumlee has only committed one turnover this season and has been effective in managing his fouls, showcasing a level of discipline that is essential for a player in his role.

That raises an important question regarding the center position: do the Suns really need an All-Star caliber player, or is it more crucial to have someone who can simply rebound and stay out of the way while the rest of the roster excels? If the goal is to create a well-rounded team dynamic, then having a reliable center that understands their role may be more beneficial than chasing star power.

A player like Plumlee can provide the necessary support without disrupting the offensive flow, allowing the Suns’ key scorers to shine. As the season progresses, it will be vital for the Suns to determine the best fit for their roster, balancing the need for stability in the paint with the desire for offensive explosiveness.

He is a great backup to this point and to me has been better than expected.

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Oso Ighodaro

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The rookie earning minutes ahead of Bol Bol — if we can even consider Bol as a center — has been experiencing his own ups and downs this season. He was out of the lineup against the Lakers on Wednesday night, and there were good reasons for that decision. Standing at a smaller stature, he struggled to make an impact, especially without Tyus Jones running the point for the majority of the game. This lack of a reliable playmaker hampered his ability to establish himself as a pick-and-roll partner, which limited his effectiveness and ultimately his playing time.

Despite these challenges, Oso will continue to see minutes, but his role remains an experiment for the coaching staff. The team is still evaluating how best to utilize his unique skill set and whether he can develop into a reliable contributor as the season progresses. He needs to gain experience and confidence on the court, as this will determine how he fits into the overall rotation moving forward.

As the season unfolds, finding the right balance between nurturing his growth and ensuring team success will be crucial. If he can adapt and find his rhythm, he may become an important asset for the Suns, providing the depth they need at the center position.

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So, do we eventually need a change at the center, or should we just keep rolling with the wins?