The Phoenix Suns have made a transfer to assist bolster their frontcourt. The group 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 some extent of concern all season. Now, they are going to have some further reinforcements who can 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 should be enthusiastic about their new-look frontcourt going ahead.
Phoenix Suns Commerce Josh Okogie, Three Second Spherical Picks for Nick Richards
Nick Richards’ Influence
One can see why the Suns have been prepared 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 complete rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per recreation. 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 ranking of 110 thus far this marketing campaign. On prime of this, he’s additionally averaging a block proportion of 5.9 p.c, a defensive field plus/minus ranking of +0.2, and a defensive win-share complete of +0.6. Whereas these numbers could not appear important, keep in mind he was enjoying with the Hornets are a group clearly within the midst of a rebuilding part. Now that Richards is with a group 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. Nonetheless, the necessity for a defensive presence within the paint outweighed the posh of getting a terrific 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 surface trying in on the subject of the Play-In Match image.
Given the expertise on paper, it’s secure to say this squad has underachieved thus far of the season. A change was definitely wanted. It’s troublesome to gauge whether or not this variation shall be sufficient for the Suns this season. Nonetheless, it can not 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.
