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Tyus Jones Gets Honest About How Phoenix Suns Teammate Has Handled Benching

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ryan Brooks | Last updated Jan 29, 2025 9:46 AM ET

The Phoenix Suns have been turning the corner as of late. They had dug quite a bit of a mid-season hole for themselves, but with an 8-2 record in the past ten games, the Suns might be on the right track.

Now with a 24-21 record, Phoenix sits at No. 8 in the Western Conference, though that seeding could change in a big way in a matter of just two games.

The Suns haven't even made a Jimmy Butler trade, yet. Bradley Beal is still on the roster. Jusuf Nurkic could very well finish off his $18.1 million salary while riding the bench.

Still, the Suns are finding their stride. They might not exactly need to make a move for a superstar. Kevin Durant and Devin Booker are enough star power for a contending club, but improving in the margins is incredibly crucial.

One role player who should have been an impact player is Nurkic, though. However, his shortcomings have left a center void within the squad that Richards has been able to fill -- along with recent second-round pick Oso Ighodaro.

How has Nurkic been handling his role on the bench? Suns guard Tyus Jones broke down how the center has been responding.

“I would say for us as players it hasn’t. He’s been a good teammate to us. He’s been one of our brothers. We’re supporting him," Jones said. "That’s the unfortunate part of this business.

"Sometimes there are those situations where guys are unhappy or frustrated with current situations. For us, just understanding how his year has gone. You understand the frustration, but again, as players, he’s been supportive us. Still showing up to work every day, cheering us on, hoping everyone still plays well. That’s all you can ask for.”

For Nurkic to not be disruptive despite going from a starter on a playoff team to riding the bench entirely is a bonus for the Suns.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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