The Phoenix Suns walked into this season looking to pick off from right where they dropped. Considering their star-studded lineup, it’s only natural to believe that Mike Budenholzer & Co. would capitalize on the elite talent available to them. However, injuries have already thrown a wrench into their plans, again, with Bradley Beal and Kevin Durant both sidelined because of calf issues. As the team looks to find its rhythm, the focus has shifted to their recovery timelines – an aspect in which Coach Bud walks on eggshells.

While we eagerly await Bradley Beal’s return from a lingering calf issue, Budenholzer admits he’s in the dark about when that might happen. Not ideal, but then again, it’s a possibility. He said pretty much the same thing to Duane Rankin of the AZ Central. When asked about Beal’s status, the 55-year-old boss didn’t mince any words. “I have no idea.”

However, when it came to KD, the response was quite different. “Appreciative” would probably be the right term.

Nursing a calf injury, Kevin Durant earned praise for his relentless rehab efforts as the veteran hoopster eyes a swift recovery. The 2021 NBA champion coach couldn’t help but admire the 36-year-old’s dedication.

“His work ethic is kind of similar with rehab. He gets after it. He’s pushing to get back and be healthy as quick as he can. Everything directly from Kevin and the sports performance group, all positive. He’s trending in a good direction,” Coach Bud said in the presser.

Interestingly, Budenholzer’s honest comment about Beal’s injury update comes in the wake of cutting-edge remarks about Nurkić. While the Suns managed to win 3 of their 4 preseason games, Bosnian center Jusuf Nurkić and Duke alum Grayson Allen missed most of the action because of health concerns. And when asked about the same, Bud couldn’t be bothered to give a diplomatic answer.

Mike Budenholzer and his injury remark about Jusuf Nurkić hinted at ‘tension’ in the locker room

Suns coach Mike Budenholzer recently emphasized the importance of action over words. And his assessment of Nurkic’s absence was as blunt as it came. “Nurk, I think, hasn’t had any contact, hasn’t done any basketball,” he said. Naturally, it didn’t sit well with Nurk.

He addressed the issue during a recent media availability. “When I came to the camp, he [Budenholzer] was all about his words,” the 7-footer remarked. “I think he believes, from day one, he said, ‘talk is cheap.’ And he put everything on the floor for us. Accountability was something I’m big on. And he stands by those words, no matter who it is.”

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When asked about Nurkic’s subtle pushback, Budenholzer didn’t shy away. When pressed on whether “talk is cheap,” is a principle he lives by, he affirmed, “I think so. I learned it somewhere a long time ago, and it’s kind of been hammered into me.”

The head coach even extended the sentiment to his interactions with the media, saying, “I probably don’t love doing these scrums. All this talk, and interviews, and the questions. It really doesn’t matter. It’s cheap.”

While Mike Budenholzer’s unfiltered approach may not always resonate positively, it underscores his emphasis on accountability and action- values that the experienced stakeholder holds in high regard. For the Suns, success will hinge not just on the recovery of stars like Beal and Durant. How well the team rallies around their coach’s philosophy and adapts to early challenges is just as important.

As they await a full roster, the Suns must balance resilience with urgency, knowing their title aspirations hang in the balance.