The dust has now settled on what was a disappointing 2023-24 season for the Phoenix Suns. One that promised so much, but ended in the embarrassment of being swept in the opening round of the playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves.
A reality that didn't look so bad after the Timberwolves then went on to defeat the defending champion Denver Nuggets - coupled with the Suns winning 49 regular season games - but which reverted back to the negative once the Timberwolves were humbled by the Dallas Mavericks.
As a result of this several key members of the Suns' roster rightfully saw their stock drop after a bad ending to their season.
Obviously all individuals mentioned here have the chance to change the narrative around themselves next season - although in the case of a couple - it may be that failing to shine when the lights are brightest is just who they are as players. A new head coach in Mike Budenholzer may also be able to help these players return to their previous best form.
As for these four players? Without doubt their stock took a hit in that series loss to the Timberwolves...
4. Jusuf Nurkic
Beginning with the obvious, and center Jusuf Nurkic's limitations were painfully exposed against the Timberwolves. To his credit, Nurkic was everything the Suns needed him to be during the regular season. He started all 76 games he played in, and averaged a shade under 11 points and boards each night.
That was what was required of Nurkic during the regular season - but when it came to the playoffs - he fell way short of expectations. It was hard for him to constantly battle both Rudy Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns in the paint in the postseason, and his numbers of 7.8 points and 8.3 rebounds rightly reflected that.
Jusuf Nurkic… my life is in safe hands pic.twitter.com/Yz9tsFIFuh
— ➊ (@WrldOfBook) May 14, 2024
It is now clear that the Suns can't reach the highest level as long as Nurkic has a major role in the playoffs. He's a nice passer offensively and does all of the selfless things on both ends of the court that absolutely contributed to some regular season wins. But when the game slows down, he is both attacked on the defensive end and will always be a fourth or fifth option offensively.
Unfortunately for both Nurkic and the Suns, this playoff flop has also likely impacted his trade value. He has two years left on his current deal - and with the organization above the second apron as a result of their bloated cap sheet - moving him is one of the few ways to actually get better. That looks difficult, which is why Nurkic's bad showing hurt his stock both now and moving forward.