It's no surprise to recent NBA retirees DeMarcus Cousins and Lou Williams that Phoenix Suns coach Mike Budenholzer abruptly removed Jusuf Nurkic from the starting lineup and rotation in January.

“We feel like it’s probably very short term,” Suns coach Mike Budenholzer said pregame. “I think the two days without a game will probably be very helpful.” Phoenix’s next game is ...

Suns center Jusuf Nurkic was unceremoniously benched. He has not played in nine straight Suns games, all by coach Mike Budenholzer’s decision. Prior to that, Budenholzer had moved Nurkic to a reserve ...

Nurkic said he and Suns coach Mike Budenholzer didn’t talk for two months. This is consistent with him saying Budenholzer didn’t inform him about a decision not to play him Jan. 9 against Atlanta.

Unhappy with his status with the Phoenix Suns, center Jusuf Nurkic said he hasn't spoken with coach Mike Budenholzer in two months, going so far as to say the two "don't have a relationship." ...