The Phoenix Suns acquired Jamaican big man Nick Richards from the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday. The move gives Phoenix some breathing room when it comes to their tax bill this season while also providing Kevin Durant and Co.
With Durant and the Suns 11th in the Western Conference, a half-game behind the 10th-place Golden State Warriors, the expectation is that Richards will give the team a lift heading into the middle of the season.
Richards is averaging 8.9 points, on 56.1% shooting, with 7.5 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game this season. Durant is excited to see what he can bring to the Suns.
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Az Central’s Duane Rankin spoke with the superstar forward about the addition of Richards and what his gritty interior game means for the team as they look to move up the standings.
“He’s a strong presence in the paint, a big body that can wreak havoc there and cause problems with his rim protection,” Durant said Thursday.
“Taking his hands on the basketball on the offensive glass and then finishing above the rim. That’s something we all need to do better as a group. I hope he leads us in that area. He just check the paint.”
Kevin Durant wishes Josh Okogie well after Suns’ clock trade for Nick Richards
While the Suns acquired Nick Richards from the Hornets with a second-round pick, the team parted ways with Josh Okogie and three second-round picks.
Although Okogie has only played 14.0 minutes per game this season, his hard work and tenacity have made him a player respected not only by fans but also by Kevin Durant.
After Wednesday’s trade, Durant spoke with Duane Rankin about the impact of Okogie’s release on the team and wished him well in Charlotte.
“I really appreciated the way Josh approached the game and his love for his teammates,” Durant said. I wish him the best. Nick on the team. “
The big question following the Suns trade for Richards is whether the move will be the only one Phoenix makes before the trade deadline. Although the acquisition of Richards should strengthen the team’s frontcourt, the consensus is that the Suns need at least one more piece.
Despite the three-headed monster of Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, with the Western Conference as competitive as ever, it may take more than added frontcourt depth to make Phoenix a legitimate playoff threat.
Edited by Victor Ramon Galvez
