Valley of the Suns
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3 possible center replacements if Jusuf Nurkic struggles

By Reign Karlmarc Amurao

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 31: Jusuf Nurkic #20 of the Phoenix Suns tries to bait Zach Collins #23 of the San Antonio Spurs with a pump fake during the third quarter of an NBA game at Footprint Center on October 31, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Christy/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 31: Jusuf Nurkic #20 of the Phoenix Suns tries to bait Zach Collins #23 of the San Antonio Spurs with a pump fake during the third quarter of an NBA game at Footprint Center on October 31, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Christy/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 06: Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers is guarded by Daniel Gafford of the Washington Wizards. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 06: Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers is guarded by Daniel Gafford of the Washington Wizards. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /

The Phoenix Suns haven’t had the best luck with Jusuf Nurkic as their starting center. Fans believed that with the Bosnian center at the helm, the 2023-24 season wouldn’t be as difficult.

However, after seven games into the season, Nurkic hasn’t been an effective starting center. His production is much needed now, as Devin Booker and Bradley Beal have started the season missing games.

Before the start of the season, I hoped the 29-year-old center would live up to the hype.

But that hasn’t been the case for Nurkic, as he’s struggled to make an impact on both ends of the floor. With how he’s been playing, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Suns decide to replace him soon.

I’ve scoured the options the team could explore once they decide to replace Nurkic, and here are three notable centers the Suns could use.

3. Daniel Gafford

Daniel Gafford isn’t the best offensive option at the center position. However, his efforts on the defensive end have turned him into a valuable asset for the Washington Wizards.

His offensive stats aren’t impressive since he’s only averaging eight points this season. Gafford is also not the best rebounder, only averaging around seven rebounds this season. The one thing that the 25-year-old center will provide a ton of is his rim protection.

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Gafford is swatting away 2.3 blocks this season, more than Nurkic can offer. Trading for the young Wizards’ center will help boost the team’s defense, but it could take a hit on their offense. But that’s why they have the Big 3 in their roster.

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