It’s the return of the Nurk Daddy.
With Mike Budenholzer stepping in as the new head coach of the Phoenix Suns, a shift in philosophy was inevitable. Last season, the team was stacked with offensively skilled players, yet they were guided by a coach with a more defensive mindset. This year, James Jones took a different approach by bringing in Coach Bud, an offensive strategist who can amplify the team’s strengths rather than trying to mold them into something they’re not.
Budenholzer’s arrival signals a fresh, dynamic style of play that aims to unlock the full potential of the Suns’ roster. Part of the transition has been a focus on shooting the three-ball. Oh, and has Phoenix shot the three-ball?! The team has averaged 46 three-point attempts per game in the preseason. They shot 46+ threes in a total of three games last season.
One aspect of the offense still remains uncertain. The shift towards a long-range, perimeter-focused attack has yet to be fully realized, largely due to the absence of the team’s starting center. Jusuf Nurkic has missed the first four preseason games, sidelined by an injured middle finger on his left hand.
Until now.
Sources: Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkić (finger) who hasn’t played this preseason, plans to make his debut in Thursday’s preseason finale against the Los Angeles Lakers. pic.twitter.com/vfQ37A3T1X
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) October 16, 2024
According to Chris Haynes, Jusuf Nurkic will make his season debut on Thursday night against the Los Angeles Lakers. It will be the first real glimpse of how he fits into Mike Budenholzer’s system and vision for the team. Nurkic’s presence should also offer valuable insight into the Suns’ ability to perform on the glass as well.
Without him anchoring the paint, the Suns haven’t had the chance to showcase the full extent of their revamped offensive strategy. We don’t know as of yet how much time he will spend on the perimeter, how the team looks relative to spacing, and how many three-pointers he may launch.
“There definitely has been intentional work by Nurk and conversations with him about what we think he can do and add and grow, and most obviously is a 3-point shooter,” Budenholzer said on Suns Media Day. “He’s done it a little bit in his past, and we’re gonna push that envelope.”
Nurkic isn’t afraid of shooting the three-ball, noting on Suns Media Day, “It doesn’t mean I’m gonna just shoot 10 threes a game. I wish, but not gonna happen. And especially as a team, we want to get better there, attempting and making more 3s. But for me, that’s gonna be just a plus. I think it will just go back to the season in Portland that I had kind of free will to take the threes, and it was a good experience.”
We’ll see what happens tomorrow night against LA!