Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic has hit back at fan criticism regarding his performances for the team. It has been 14 months since the Bosnian was traded to the Suns. He was a smaller part of the deal that sent Damian Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks. However, it seems he has not been as embraced as he would’ve liked, amongst just over a year of instability and inconsistency for the franchise.
Jusuf Nurkic Responds to Fan Criticism
Nurkic Makes Odd Claim
After the Suns’ 127-100 victory over the LA Lakers on Tuesday night, Nurkic made the odd claim that people expect him to play the ‘KD role’. Not only is that a bizarrely high expectation of him, but it also comes across as a poor attempt at deflecting accountability.
“I feel like I’ve been judged since I got here, it feels like everybody wants me to play the KD role, but with two shots. It’s not how it works.’’
He also made clear his thoughts on social media scrutiny saying,
“They’re not real fans. The internet ain’t the real world. People are going to hate regardless.”
"I've been judged since I got here the most. Everybody wants me to play the KD role."
Jusuf Nurkic after Suns win vs. Lakers.
On @GeraldBourguet question about criticism on social media: "They're not real fans. The internet ain't the real world. People are going to hate." #Suns pic.twitter.com/1w7X3yFjKD
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) November 27, 2024
This came after one of Nurkic’s better performances of the season. He recorded 12 points and 12 rebounds, though most of this work came in the second half. Overall, it has been a disappointing campaign, with the stats to back it up. His average of 8.9 points through 16 games is the lowest since his 2015-16 season with the Denver Nuggets. Nurkic’s efficiency has also taken a significant hit, his 42% from the field is the lowest since 2015-16. This is the second-lowest FG% amongst all NBA starting centers who have played at least 10 games.
So, to suggest the standards set upon him are ‘KD-like’ is either a misunderstanding on Nurkic’s part or a reluctance to take responsibility for his shortcomings. While fans’ discontent with the player dates back to last season, they would sure be more satisfied with a repeat of what he delivered in his debut campaign with the franchise rather than what is on show at present.
Suns Fans Are Losing Patience
After a strong start to the season, injuries have led to a big slump in form. The Suns are 3-7 in their last 10 games, which have coincided with the absences of Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, and briefly Nurkic. He has been dealing with an ankle injury in recent weeks, even revealing he had hurt both ankles. However, that has not given him much grace with Suns fans, with his latest comments only increasing their frustrations.
A period that had perhaps peaked their angst toward the 30-year-old came center in a four-game stretch in which he scored just 12 points overall. This included a scoreless outing against the Sacramento Kings. He shot a woeful 3-23 across the four games, all defeats. The only game they won during Durant and Beal’s absence was one that Nurkic also sat out, against the Utah Jazz.
For now, in a Suns team brimming with top-end talent, Nurkic appears the weakest link. There is no need for him to be as good as the Nikola Jokic and Anthony Davis’ of the world, the Suns have enough offense to cover some of his offensive deficiencies, from deep for example. However, what they cannot make up for is his lack of fundamentals. His job is to make things easier for Devin Booker, Durant, and Beal, not hold them back. Set screens, grab rebounds, and finish at the rim. Maybe the rapport between Nurkic and the (online) fans is too far gone. Whether he remains on the team past the trade deadline is another question. But in the meantime, there is a simple solution for him to regain some trust at least – get back to the basics.
