The Phoenix Suns have clawed their way to eighth place in the competitive Western Conference with a 23-21 record. The Suns have tinkered with their lineup along the way, with head coach Mike Budenholzer moving center Jusuf Nurkic to the bench in favor of Mason Plumlee on Jan. 6.

Jusuf Nurkic apparently has gone from starting center to persona non grata with the Phoenix Suns. Nurkic hasn't played since a Jan. 7 loss to the Charlotte Hornets when he scored eight points and pulled down three rebounds in 19 minutes.

Things are looking up for the Phoenix Suns on the basketball court these days. The same can’t be said for Jusuf Nurkic. The struggling Nurkic has gone from the starting center to a benchwarmer in the space of about a month.

Suns center Jusuf Nurkic, who hasn't played since Jan. 7, said he hasn't spoken to head coach Mike Budenholzer in two months.

In a recent interview, Suns player Jusuf Nurkic discussed his lack of relationship with coach Mike Budenholzer, revealing significant truths