Suns' Nurkic: 'Hard to understand why' I'm not starting

Jusuf Nurkic is in disbelief about his playing status with the Phoenix Suns, having gone from starting to not recording a minute.

"It's hard to understand why," Nurkic said Saturday, according to Duane Rankin of Arizona Central. "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."

The Suns benched Nurkic as their starting center earlier in January. He averaged 6.5 points and five rebounds over two games off the bench but hasn't played in Phoenix's last nine contests. Head coach Mike Budenholzer has started center Nick Richards in the previous three matchups after the club acquired the 27-year-old earlier this month from the Charlotte Hornets.

"I'm glad Bud find somebody who he like he can play," Nurkic said. "I think that's refreshing for him to rotate four centers. I think that's something that's sustainable, and that's the NBA. I have nothing against Nick. Any way I can help, but I'm glad they found someone who they want to play."

Nurkic added that he and Budenholzer didn't speak to each other for two months.

"We don't have a relationship. So, it's fine," Nurkic said. "For me, 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. They already have plenty of it. Trying to be as professional as I can and work my ass off for something else."

Nurkic is averaging 8.6 points and 9.2 rebounds in 25 games this season. The 30-year-old signed a four-year, $70-million contract with the Portland Trail Blazers in 2022. The Suns acquired Nurkic as part of the Damian Lillard three-team blockbuster trade in 2023. He has one more year left on his deal for $19.4 million.

The 11-year veteran said he's still hoping for an opportunity to play.

"I know who I am as a person and as a player. Like I said, 'one door close, another will open eventually.' That's what I'm working for and hoping for."