Get to know new Phoenix Suns center Nick Richards and what his potential role with the NBA team could be after his trade from the Charlotte Hornets.
Richards - coupled with rookie stud Oso Ighodaro - will inject a very pointed surge of athleticism into the Suns' lineup. Last season Nick Richards had more dunks (120) than Nurkic and Plumlee combined (100) in 1000 fewer minutes.
The Suns made a move to acquire Nick Richards from the Hornets, but some people are more skeptical of the move than expected.
Richards also made exactly the kind of impact Phoenix was hoping for when they acquired him from Charlotte, as the 27-year-old center recorded his sixth double-double of the season. The rest of the Suns second unit managed just 13 points total and doesn't have a go-to scoring option,
There was some belief Richards the Suns just snagged their new starting center, and Arizona Sports' John Gambadoro says Richards will indeed be inserted into the lineup when ready. ESPN's Shams Charania also is reporting the same thing.
The Phoenix Suns acquired Charlotte Hornets center Nick Richards and a 2025 NBA draft second-round pick on Wednesday in exchange for wing player Josh Okogie and three future second-round NBA draft selections. Richards is averaging 8.9 points per game and 7.5 rebounds per game this season, in 21 minutes of action per game.
Suns coach Mike Budenholzer said he expects Richards to meet the team Friday in Detroit and get him up to speed on their offensive and defensive schemes. He foresees Richards making his Suns debut Saturday against the Pistons.
The Arizona Republic's Duane Rankin reported that Richards could be with the Suns for Phoenix's game on Saturday at the Detroit Pistons. Richards had been with the Charlotte Hornets for his entire ...
Phoenix Suns are above .500 for first time since Christmas after win over Detroit Pistons in third game of five-game road trip.
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Suns Edge Out Pistons in Close Battle
This game marked the Suns debut for Nick Richards after he was acquired from the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday. Richards came off the bench and made a huge impact with 21 points on 7-of-8 shooting, 11 rebounds and was a team-high plus-22 in 30 minutes.
Phoenix Suns center Nick Richards made his debut on Saturday at the Detroit Pistons, first coming off the bench in the first quarter.