On Wednesday, the Phoenix Suns acquired great man Nick Richards from the Charlotte Hornets, born in Jamaican. The move gives Phoenix a breathing space when it comes to their tax assessment this season, while Kevin Durant and Co. The much needed front court depth offering in the midst of Jusuf Nurkic’s struggles.
With Durant and the Suns 11th in the Western Conference, half a match behind the 10th place Golden State Warriors, it is expected that Richards will give the team a lift on the way to the middle of the season.
Richards is on average 8.9 points, at 56.1% shooting, along with 7.5 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per match this season. Durant is excited to see what he can bring to the suns.
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Duane Rankin of AZ Central spoke with the superstar ahead about the addition of Richards and what his gritty interior game means for the team when they look at the rankings.
“He is a strong presence in the paint, a large body that can cause outside and what can cause problems with his rim protection,” Durant said Thursday.
“Getting the basketball in the hands of the offensive glass and then ending up above the edge. It is something we all have to get better at as a group. Hopefully he will lead us in that area. Only the paint control.”
Kevin Durant wishes Josh Okogie Good after Suns-Hornets Trade for Nick Richards
While the Suns Nick Richards took over from the Hornets, together with a pick in the second round, the team weighed with Josh Okogie and three picks in the second round.
Although Okogie played only 14.0 minutes per game this season, his hard work and his tenacity made him a player who was not only respected by fans, but also by Kevin Durant.
After Wednesday’s trade, Durant spoke with Duane Rankin about the impact that Okogie’s exit will have in the team and wished him well in Charlotte.
“I really appreciated how Josh approached the game and his love for his teammates,” said Durant. I wish him the best. I’m sure Nick in the team. “
The big question that the trade of the Suns for Richards follows is whether the relocation makes Phoenix before the Trade Deadline. Although the acquisition of Richards is expected to strengthen the team’s front court, the consensus is that the Suns needs at least one piece.
Despite the three-headed monster from Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, with the Western Conference as competitive as always, it can more than added Frontcourt-depth-depth-depth costs to turn Phoenix into a legitimate threat after the season.
Published by Victor Ramon Galvez