Pistons Vs Suns

The Phoenix Suns are set to face the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday, but they will be without two of their key players—Grayson Allen and Jusuf Nurkic. This absence creates a challenging scenario for the team, as both players are integral to their lineup, and their performances could influence how the Suns approach their early-season games.

Grayson Allen's Personal Absence

Grayson Allen is a fresh addition to the Suns' injury report, but his absence is due to personal reasons, not a physical ailment. Allen had recently showcased his potential in Phoenix's preseason opener against the Los Angeles Lakers. In that game, he logged 21 minutes on the court, contributing seven points, two rebounds, one assist, and one steal. Despite being new to the team, Allen’s efforts in the preseason demonstrate that he has quickly adjusted to his role with the Suns.

Allen's versatility and impact on the court were seen last season when he played for Phoenix. He led the NBA with the highest three-point shooting percentage, showcasing his skills from beyond the arc. However, the presence of another talented player, Tyus Jones, has now pushed Allen into a bench role. Despite this shift, Allen seems to have embraced his new role with professionalism and team spirit. Suns coach Mike Budenholzer has nothing but praise for Allen’s attitude toward the change in responsibilities. Budenholzer emphasized that Allen is focused on team success rather than personal accolades, noting, "He’s all about the right things. I feel fortunate to kind of reunite with him, pull him into the recruiting of Tyus."

Budenholzer also added that the decision to bench Allen in favor of Jones was not a reflection of Allen's abilities but rather a strategic move for the team's success. "At the end of the day, it’s probably to bring somebody in to take his spot in the starting lineup. I think all Grayson cares about is winning," Budenholzer said. Allen’s willingness to accept a reduced role speaks volumes about his commitment to the team’s long-term goals, and his presence on the bench will still have a considerable impact as the Suns navigate the season.

Jusuf Nurkic's Finger Injury

In contrast to Allen, Jusuf Nurkic’s absence is due to a more concerning factor—a finger injury that has ruled him out for at least a week. Nurkic has been one of the Suns' cornerstone players in the frontcourt, and his absence will create a void that the team will need to fill both offensively and defensively. His finger injury, though not catastrophic, will require the Suns to adapt their strategy without their starting center.

In the preseason opener against the Lakers, Phoenix's coaching staff had to experiment with alternative lineups. Mason Plumlee stepped in as the starting center, replacing Nurkic. Plumlee’s performance was steady but unspectacular—he scored four points and grabbed four rebounds in just 14 minutes with the starters during the first half of the game. While Plumlee is a capable veteran player, the Suns will likely miss Nurkic’s physical presence and skillset, especially on the defensive end and in his ability to stretch the floor with his shooting.

The team also leaned on other players to help compensate for Nurkic’s absence. One standout performer in the game was Suns' second-round pick, Oso Ighodaro. Ighodaro played the most minutes of anyone on the Suns’ roster, clocking in 27 minutes during the game. He took full advantage of the opportunity, scoring 12 points and adding four rebounds, five assists, one steal, and one block. Ighodaro’s impressive stat line suggests that he could play a more significant role for the team if Nurkic remains sidelined for an extended period. His versatility and energy on both ends of the court make him a valuable asset for the Suns as they navigate the early part of the season without their starting center.

Nurkic's New Role Under Budenholzer

Despite his current injury, Nurkic's role in the Suns' system is poised to evolve under head coach Mike Budenholzer, particularly when it comes to his offensive responsibilities. One area of focus for Budenholzer is encouraging Nurkic to become more of a threat from beyond the three-point line. Historically, Nurkic has shown flashes of three-point shooting ability, but it hasn’t been a significant part of his game. However, Budenholzer sees untapped potential in Nurkic’s ability to shoot from deep and plans to push that aspect of his game this season.

During Suns Media Day, Budenholzer elaborated on the team’s plan to incorporate more three-point shooting from Nurkic. "There definitely has been, I think, intentional work by Nurk and conversations with him about what we think he can do and add and grow," Budenholzer said. "Most obviously is a 3-point shooter. He’s done it a little bit in his past, and we’re going to push that envelope." This shift in Nurkic’s role could make him a more versatile and dangerous weapon for the Suns' offense, particularly in pick-and-pop situations, where his size and shooting ability could stretch opposing defenses.

The prospect of Nurkic adding consistent three-point shooting to his arsenal is intriguing, especially in Budenholzer’s offensive system, which has historically emphasized floor spacing and three-point shooting. If Nurkic can develop into a reliable shooter from beyond the arc, it would create more opportunities for the Suns’ guards, like Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, to operate in the paint and mid-range. It would also make Phoenix’s offense more difficult to defend, as opposing big men would have to respect Nurkic’s ability to shoot, potentially pulling them away from the rim and opening up driving lanes.

Team Dynamics Without Key Players

The Suns’ matchup against the Pistons on Tuesday will provide another opportunity for the team to experiment with different lineups and rotations in the absence of Allen and Nurkic. While both players are key to Phoenix’s long-term success this season, their absences will allow the coaching staff to evaluate other players and see who can step up in their absence.

Mason Plumlee’s performance as the starting center will be under close scrutiny, as the Suns need a reliable option to fill in for Nurkic. Additionally, Oso Ighodaro’s strong showing in the preseason opener suggests that he could play a larger role in the team’s rotation, especially if Nurkic’s injury lingers longer than expected.

Grayson Allen’s absence, while not injury-related, will also test the Suns' depth on the perimeter. The team will need players like Tyus Jones and others to step up and fill the void left by Allen. Jones’ ability to handle the ball and make plays for his teammates will be crucial, especially in close games where Allen’s shooting could have made a difference.

Looking Ahead to the Pistons Game

The Suns’ game against the Pistons is scheduled to tip-off at 4:00 PM Phoenix time on Tuesday. While the Pistons may not be a powerhouse in the NBA, the Suns will still need to bring their A-game, especially with two of their key players unavailable. This game will serve as an early test for Phoenix, particularly in terms of how they adjust to missing key contributors.

Detroit has its own set of challenges and will be eager to take advantage of the Suns' weakened lineup. For Phoenix, this game is an opportunity to build chemistry with their new players and continue fine-tuning their game plan under Budenholzer’s system. Despite the absences of Allen and Nurkic, the Suns have the talent and depth to compete and are expected to put up a strong showing.

As the regular season approaches, Phoenix will look to get both Allen and Nurkic back to full strength. Allen’s return should bolster the team’s perimeter shooting and defensive tenacity, while Nurkic’s presence in the paint will be vital for the Suns’ interior defense and rebounding. In the meantime, players like Plumlee and Ighodaro will have the chance to step up and prove their worth, giving the Suns even more depth as they prepare for a highly competitive season ahead.

Conclusion

In the grand scheme of the season, the absences of Grayson Allen and Jusuf Nurkic are temporary setbacks for the Phoenix Suns, but they also present opportunities for other players to shine. Allen’s personal reasons for missing the game and Nurkic’s finger injury should not have long-term implications, but in their absence, the Suns will need to rely on their depth and adaptability. As coach Budenholzer continues to implement his system and adjust to the evolving dynamics of the team, Phoenix fans can look forward to seeing how these early-season challenges shape the Suns' growth moving forward.