The Phoenix Suns have made a transfer to assist bolster their frontcourt. The staff has reportedly traded for Nick Richards from the Charlotte Hornets to associate with a second-round decide. In return, the Suns will ship Josh Okogie and three second spherical picks to the Charlotte Hornets.
Phoenix’s frontcourt has been a degree of concern all season. Now, they are going to have some extra reinforcements who may even present additional depth. With Jusuf Nurkic falling out of favor with head coach, Mike Budenholzer, one has to surprise what this implies for the Bosnian heart’s future with the Suns. Given Richards’ ceiling and youth, the Phoenix Suns need to be enthusiastic about their new-look frontcourt going ahead.
Phoenix Suns Commerce Josh Okogie, Three Second Spherical Picks for Nick Richards
Nick Richards’ Impression
One can see why the Suns had been keen to commerce for Nick Richards. He’s a younger participant with a ton of upside. In 21 video games this 12 months, Richards has tallied 8.9 factors, 7.5 whole rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per sport. His rim-protection shall be extraordinarily welcomed by the Suns who’ve been in determined want of inside protection this season.
Richards can also be tallying a career-best defensive score of 110 up to now this marketing campaign. On prime of this, he’s additionally averaging a block share of 5.9 p.c, a defensive field plus/minus score of +0.2, and a defensive win-share whole of +0.6. Whereas these numbers might not appear vital, keep in mind he was taking part in with the Hornets are a staff clearly within the midst of a rebuilding part. Now that Richards is with a staff with authentic playoff aspirations, his abilities and potential shall be put to full use going ahead.
Phoenix’s Season
The Suns will miss Josh Okogie’s perimeter protection. Nevertheless, the necessity for a defensive presence within the paint outweighed the luxurious of getting an awesome perimeter defensive anchor for the Phoenix Suns. As of January 15th, 2025, the Suns sit on the 11th seed within the Western Convention and are on the skin trying in with regards to the Play-In Event image.
Given the expertise on paper, it’s secure to say this squad has underachieved up to now of the season. A change was actually wanted. It’s tough to gauge whether or not this modification shall be sufficient for the Suns this season. Nevertheless, it can’t harm given the dearth of rim-protection we’ve seen from the Phoenix Suns this 12 months. As for Richards, he now has the chance to play significant basketball for the primary time shortly.
