The Valley of the Sun has a new big man

The Portland Trail Blazers acquired C Deandre Ayton in a transaction that was reported to have involved three teams; as a result, the Phoenix Suns acquired four players. The Suns acquired C Jusuf Nurkić, a 29-year-old Bosnian who is starting his 11th NBA season, from Portland.

The Suns are in a situation they haven’t been in since selecting Ayton with the top choice in the 2018 NBA Draft after acquiring the 7-footer. Ayton was the final player standing from the Suns’ 2021 NBA Finals team, along with G Devin Booker.

Nurkić is a powerful big man who dominates opponents’ centers in the league by using his size and weight. Nurkić will be productive when he sets screens and grabs rebounds, even though he lacks Ayton’s offensive versatility.

Throughout his NBA career, Nurkić averaged 13 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 assists while playing for the Trail Blazers and Denver Nuggets. Nurkić had a variety of roles, but with the 2016–17 campaign, he has emerged as a consistent starter every night.

As a shot-blocker, Nurkić provides excellent defense-side ability. Nurkić may face foul problems for his desire to battle drives into the hoop, but the Suns team will benefit from the change of pace as his low-post physicality will be a welcome diversion from Ayton’s play.

A more defensive-minded center will mesh better with Frank Vogel’s new scheme, the head coach of Phoenix.

The deterioration of Ayton’s relationship with the Suns was no secret.

Ayton-related rumors dominated Suns trade deadline and offseason discussions for years. The Suns reportedly needed a three-team deal to finalize the transaction, and Portland ended up being the chosen destination for a still-developing Ayton.

Ideally, Ayton just needs a fresh start to reach his greatest potential. Ayton should be back in action, playing a similar position to what he did in Phoenix, supporting the development of G Shaedon Sharpe and G Scooter Henderson.

 

Nurkić gives the Suns a new beginning at center and an opportunity to alter the team’s mindset at the five spot. A new big man will arrive in Phoenix to start again, much like new paint was added on Footprint Arena.

Depth seems to be the top consideration for the remaining assets acquired from the exchange.

Additionally traveling to Phoenix are F Nassir Little, G Grayson Allen, and F Keon Johnson. Little and Johnson are two additional young, athletic forwards who are prone to injuries. The ages of both players are under 24.

Vogel will enjoy having Allen around. Given his reputation for shooting prowess and tenacious defense, Allen would be a good fit for a high-pressure bench group, particularly when partnered with F Yuta Watanabe. Another outside weapon available to Phoenix will be Allen’s spot-up shooting on 3-point tries.