The NBA is back in full swing, and the Phoenix Suns look hungry to compete and have gotten off to a hot 3-1 start. However, they have issues at the center spot, specifically with Jusuf Nurkic. This is a big problem as their three best players are guards and wings. They need someone to hold down the paint and do the intangibles a center needs to do. For Nurkic, that seemingly has not come into play yet and is becoming a bigger issue.
The Phoenix Suns Have Major Issues at the Center Position
Lack of Shooting
For Nurkic, the shot was supposed to be the x-factor for his game this season. He worked on his three-point shot this past summer. So far, that practice has not come to fruition. In the last four games, he is shooting 1/11 from three-point range.
My six pack of takeaways from the Suns win over the Lakers.
1. AD is still scary good. He can live in the post if he wants to. I don’t know why he doesn’t.
2. Ryan Dunn locking people in the Dungeon might be the greatest thing to watch this season.
3. Great to see Booker back and…— Suns Planet Podcast (@SunsPlanetPod) October 29, 2024
This is not what Suns fans want to see, as they had higher expectations heading into the year. Many thought he would become this “newer” version of Brook Lopez that coach Mike Budenholzer had in Milwaukee, but that is not the case. He does not seem comfortable in that role as a stretch big. The team should evaluate how to use him to help the spacing.
Turnovers
Turnovers were a significant issue for the Phoenix last year. The Suns brought in some point guards to help that out in Tyus Jones and Monte Morris. While both haven’t turned the ball over much, the same can’t be said for others on the team. Nurkic is averaging more turnovers than made field goals in just four games. He’s made just 11 shots while losing the ball 16 times.
The Defense Is Not There
This team is not expected to have the best defense by any means. Last year, they had a defensive-minded head coach and still failed to deliver on that end. With coach Budenholzer, it is expected to be solid, but so far, with Nurkic, it has been atrocious. In the two matchups versus the Los Angeles Lakers, Anthony Davis feasted on their frontcourt. The Suns lost game two after holding a 20-point lead due to their awful paint defense. With Nurkic off the court for the Suns, they have a +41.9 advanced NET rating. That shows how much more impactful he is on the bench this year.
The Suns have a +41.9 advanced net rating when Jusuf Nurkic isn’t on the court:
On (86 minutes) = 96.3 OffRtg, 114.9 DefRtg, -18.6 NetRtg
Off (111 minutes) = 121.1 OffRtg, 97.8 DefRtg, +23.3 NetRtg
Phoenix will very likely explore a big man upgrade on the trade market. pic.twitter.com/k3KRZCvgLI
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) October 29, 2024
The Suns benched Nurkic just after he eclipsed 15 minutes. He did not give a great performance, but he was happy they were still able to win.
That’s all that should matter for Phoenix fans, but they can see the glaring issue at hand. Nurkic is not working for them right now. Whether it’s Nurkic getting more comfortable in the offense or being traded by deadline, the Suns need an impactful center to compete in the West.
