Veteran center Jusuf Nurkic was benched earlier this season, and in a perfect world, the Suns would love to use his $18.1 million salary to land a difference-maker. In the meantime, though, he is still a member of the Suns and is working through those difficult circumstances.

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.

Jusuf Nurkic was incredibly open about how his current standing with Mike Budenholzer has impacted his playing career.