Unhappy with his current status with the Phoenix Suns, center Jusuf Nurkic said he hasn't spoken with head coach Mike Budenholzer in two months, going so far as to say the two "don't have a relationship."
Nurkic, who started 23 games this season before being moved to the bench earlier this month, has not played since Jan. 7. He said Budenholzer didn't tell him he would sit out a Jan. 9 game against the Atlanta Hawks.
Nurkic is available to play after missing four games with the flu, but Saturday's 119-109 win over the Washington Wizards marked his ninth consecutive missed game.
"We don't have a relationship," Nurkic said of Budenholzer, according to the Arizona Republic. "So, it's fine. For me, just be a pro and do the best I can. Work and stay ready for whatever might be, but there is no chaos or bringing that to this team. They already have plenty of it. Trying to be as professional as I can and work my ass off for something else."