Nurkic: Budenzholder and I 'don't have a relationship' after missing ninth straight game

Jusuf Nurkic says he and Phoenix Suns coach Mike Budenholzer "don't have a relationship" after the center was absent for a ninth successive game.

Nurkic was absent once again for the Suns' 119-109 win over the Washington Wizards on Saturday.

The center, who has started 23 games this season, was moved to the bench on January 7, and has not featured for Phoenix since, with Budenholzer opting to rotate the likes of Mason Plumlee and Nick Richards in his place.

"It's hard to understand why [I have been moved to the bench]," Nurkic said. "As you know, I try to do whatever they want from me. I play my role or whatever, but at the end of the day, it's the NBA.

"We don't have a relationship. "For me, [I will] just be a pro and do the best I can. Work and stay ready for whatever might be, but there is no chaos or bringing that to this team. Trying to be as professional as I can, and work my a** off for something else."

On Nurkic's comments, Budenholzer added: "It's never easy in this league. He hasn't played. I'm sure he's frustrated, so I respect that.

"There's been conversations that have been had. There's been communication, but we've got three or four guys who play the same position. We're going to go with who gives us our best chance. You've got to earn your minutes, and that's been communicated."

Stats against WashingtonDurant: 29 PTS, 5 REB, 4 AST, 1 STLRichards: 20 PTS, 19 REB, 1 AST, 1 BLKBeal: 20 PTS, 4 AST, 3 REB, 1 STL, 1 BLKBooker: 18 PTS, 7 AST, 6 REB, 1 STL, 1 BLKJones: 16 PTS, 5 AST, 3 REBAllen: 8 PTS, 4 REB, 1 ASTPlumlee: 4 PTS, 8 REB, 1 STLO’Neale:… pic.twitter.com/HY52EtBzG0
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) January 26, 2025