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.
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.