Phoenix Suns starting center Jusuf Nurkić has hit back at Suns fans, claiming that they have judged him for not fitting into a superstar role.
The Suns have endured an up-and-down start to the season, currently 10-8 and ninth in the West at the Thanksgiving break.
But despite his struggles, Nurkić maintains that he has performed to the level expected of him by the team, instead pushing back at unfair expectations from the fanbase.
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Jusuf Nurkić hits back at Phoenix Suns fans
Following a 10-point loss to the Brooklyn Nets, the Bosnian spoke to media about his perceived lack of respect from fans.
"I've been judged, for the most part, since I got here," Nurkić said.
"It feels like everyone wants me to play the KD role, but with two shots [per game] it's not how it works.
"I know what I bring to the table and what I bring to the team, just try to play as much as possible and play team ball.
"[The online critics] aren't real fans man. You go out there in Phoenix everywhere and see the real fans, internet ain't the real world man.
"People are gonna hate regardless... it's fun as long as it's not personal."
Nurkić scored six points in the loss to Brooklyn, making his only two shot attempts as well as two free throws, and pulled down seven rebounds.
Jusuf Nurkić 2024-25 season stats
- 8.9 points per game
- 9.9 rebounds per game
- 1.3 assists per game
- 0.9 blocks per game
- 0.6 steals per game
- 42%FG
- 29.8%3PT
- 67.3%FT
