Jusuf Nurkic criticizes former Suns coach Budenholzer's conduct
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 3, 2026, 9:15 AM
Last updated Jun 3, 2026
Jusuf Nurkic, former Phoenix Suns player, criticized ex-coach Mike Budenholzer in a recent interview, calling him an "alcohol addict" and highlighting his ineffective coaching tactics. Nurkic alleges that Budenholzer tried to teach Kevin Durant, an elite scorer, how to play effectively, which he found absurd. After a disappointing 36-win season, Budenholzer was fired by team owner Mat Ishbia. Nurkic's remarks reflect broader issues within the Suns organization under Budenholzer's leadership. He has faced criticism for his management style and failed relationships with players during the past season.
- •Nurkic claims Budenholzer struggled with alcohol addiction.
- •Suns won only 36 games under Budenholzer in 2024-25.
- •Budenholzer was fired after one season in charge.
- •Nurkic criticized Budenholzer's coaching methods with star players.
- •Nurkic averaged 10.9 points and 10.4 rebounds in his last season with the Jazz.
- 9:15 AMYahoo Sports — Ex-Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer hit with a wild allegation by his former player
- 10:17 PMYahoo Sports — Jusuf Nurkic says former Phoenix Suns coach was 'alcohol addict'
"Former Milwaukee Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer caught a stray recently from NBA big man Jusuf Nurkic. While talking about his time with the Phoenix Suns, current Utah Jazz center Nurkic opened up about the Suns’ failure under Budenholzer, whom he also called an “alcohol addict.” “The situation we were in, the environment, we were [...]
"Former Phoenix Suns big Jusuf Nurkic was highly critical of former head coach Mike Budenholzer in a recent interview with X&Os Chat with Edin Avdic.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 3, 2026, 9:15 AMEx-Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer hit with a wild allegation by his former player
Former Milwaukee Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer caught a stray recently from NBA big man Jusuf Nurkic. While talking about his time with the Phoenix Suns, current Utah Jazz center Nurkic opened up about the Suns’ failure under Budenholzer, whom he also called an “alcohol addict.” “The situation we were in, the environment, we were [...]
- Yahoo SportsJun 1, 2026, 10:17 PMJusuf Nurkic says former Phoenix Suns coach was 'alcohol addict'
Former Phoenix Suns big Jusuf Nurkic was highly critical of former head coach Mike Budenholzer in a recent interview with X&Os Chat with Edin Avdic.
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