Head coach Mike Budenholzer has acknowledged Nurkić's frustrations and emphasized the need for players to earn their minutes as competition for playing time intensifies within the team, particularly with several players vying for the same position.

Mike Budenholzer has made the decision to bench Nurkic, leading to discussions about earning playing time and the dynamics within the Suns' roster.

Coach Mike Budenholzer has opted to give Nick Richards more playing time over Jusuf Nurkic, citing performance as a factor in determining who earns minutes on the court.

Mike Budenholzer has acknowledged the challenges surrounding Nurkic's frustrations and emphasized that players must earn their playing time within the team structure.

Mike Budenholzer, the Suns' head coach, was hired in the offseason with hopes of revitalizing the team after a disappointing playoff exit last year. Initially, his coaching seemed effective as the Suns started strong at 8-1, but injuries, particularly to Durant, disrupted the team's chemistry. Budenholzer has been experimenting with lineups, including moving Beal to the bench to improve scoring distribution, indicating a focus on long-term improvement despite the team's struggles.