The NBA regular season is now hitting the home stretch, as the All-Star break comes to a close. The Phoenix Suns were well represented this All-Star weekend, with both Devin Booker and Kevin Durant playing for the Western Conference.
With the Suns 55 games into their regular season, they bolster a respectable 33-22 record, despite being hit with injuries to key players such as Devin Booker and Bradley Beal. The Suns have a well-rounded team besides their big three, with the rest of the team being crucial to the success of this Phoenix team.
Phoenix did not make any major moves at the trade deadline, meaning that their going to be working with the team that they mostly started the season with. Some players may be playing just to try and keep their spot on the roster next season, while others are going to be instrumental to Phoenix's success.
Jusuf Nurkic
This one is a no brainer. The 29-year-old big man was acquired by the Suns through trading their young big man DeAndre Ayton during the offseason. While some criticized the move, Nurkic has been reliable and consistent for the Suns.
In a injury plagued season, Nurkic has been one of the most consistent players on the roster. He has played 52 of the Suns 55 games and has been reliable with his play on the court. Nurkic has averaged a double double this season, averaging 11.8 points per game and 10.2 rebounds per game.
Frank Vogel shouted out Jusuf Nurkić tonight for his ability to stay locked in despite the Suns toggling between their small and traditional lineups pic.twitter.com/oRq2E7xXW4
— Shane Young (@YoungNBA) February 14, 2024
While he may sometimes may get beaten in the post by some of the NBA's premium big men, Nurkic has been a great facilitator from the center postion. He is averaging the second best per game average in assists during his career, with the big man putting up 3.7 assists per game.
He has been instrumental in helping the big three create their offense, setting strong screens that have helped the likes of Booker and Beal get easy looks to destroy the opposing teams. If the Suns are going to be successful, Nurkic needs to continue doing the little things and being consistent, crashing the boards and setting up the superstars.