1 question for every Phoenix Suns starter for 2024-25 season
By Luke Duffy
Jusuf Nurkic - Is this his last season in Phoenix?
Center Jusuf Nurkic is without doubt the fall guy of this group, because his limitations are there for all to see. Never mind that he had a superb bounceback season having come over in the Deandre Ayton deal, remaining healthy and being exactly what the Suns needed him to be.
That is a big body in the paint, who was able to contribute to the offensive flow of the group. Defensively it wasn't always pretty, but nobody could ever doubt the commitment that Nurkic showed each night. His willingness to do the dirty work required to win deserving so much more praise than he got - and he received his fair share - en route to posting an 11/11 each night.
Next. Former Suns player shows team what they're missing versus Team USA. Former Suns player shows team what they're missing versus Team USA. dark
But with only two years left on his current deal - and some intriguing trade possibilities out there - the Suns will likely move Nurkic if they're able to get what they think is a good deal in return. He puts a cap on how good this group can be, and that is considerably short of a championship, and he isn't going to get any better either.
The likes of Plumlee and Oso Ighodaro taking some of Nurkic's minutes is a scary thought, but the time to rip off the band-aid could come during the season. His trade value is the highest it has been in at least five years, and the franchise knows this. Don't be surprised if they cash in on Nurkic's value at some point in the campaign.