On Wednesday, the Phoenix Suns acquired Jamaican-born huge man Nick Richards from the Charlotte Hornets. The transfer offers Phoenix some respiratory room relating to their tax invoice this season whereas offering Kevin Durant and Co. much-needed frontcourt depth amid Jusuf Nurkic’s struggles.
With Durant and the Suns eleventh within the Western Convention, half a recreation behind the Tenth-place Golden State Warriors, the expectation is that Richards will give the group a raise heading into the halfway level of the season.
Richards is averaging 8.9 factors, on 56.1% capturing, together with 7.5 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per recreation this season. Durant is worked up to see what he can convey to the Suns.
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AZ Central’s Duane Rankin spoke with the celebrity ahead concerning the addition of Richards and what his gritty inside play means for the group as they appear to maneuver up the standings.
“He’s a robust presence within the paint, an enormous physique that may wreak havoc down there and trigger some issues together with his rim safety,” Durant stated on Thursday.
“Getting his fingers on the basketball on the offensive glass after which ending above the rim. It’s one thing all of us need to get higher at as a gaggle. Hopefully, he leads us in that space. Simply controlling the paint.”
Kevin Durant needs Josh Okogie effectively following Suns-Hornets commerce for Nick Richards
Whereas the Suns acquired Nick Richards from the Hornets together with a second-round decide, the group parted methods with Josh Okogie and three second-round picks.
Though Okogie solely performed 14.0 minutes per recreation this season, his laborious work and his tenacity made him a participant who was revered not solely by followers but additionally by Kevin Durant.
Following Wednesday’s commerce, Durant spoke with Duane Rankin concerning the affect Okogie’s exit may have on the group and wished him effectively in Charlotte.
“I actually appreciated how Josh approached the sport and his love for his teammates,” Durant stated. I want him the perfect. I’m certain we’ll cross paths once more. He’s a terrific teammate, however I’m wanting ahead to having Nick on the group.”
The massive query following the Suns’ commerce for Richards is whether or not the transfer would be the just one Phoenix makes earlier than the commerce deadline. Though the acquisition of Richards is anticipated to bolster the group’s frontcourt, the consensus is that the Suns want no less than yet another piece.
Regardless of the three-headed monster of Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, with the Western Convention as aggressive as ever, it could take greater than added frontcourt depth to make Phoenix a respectable postseason risk.
Edited by Victor Ramon Galvez
