The Phoenix Suns bolstered their frontcourt depth by acquiring center Nick Richards in an NBA trade on Wednesday, as we wrote here. The Suns have been facing challenges on the offensive glass in recent games, and Richards, with his athleticism, defense, and rebounding ability, should help address this need.
Richards is under contract for next season at a non-guaranteed $5MM, making him an appealing addition for Phoenix both in the short and long term.
- Through 21 games this season (nine starts), Richards is averaging 8.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks while shooting 56.1% from the field.
- Head coach Mike Budenholzer expressed excitement about Richards joining the Suns, noting his ability to impact the game defensively and on the boards. Budenholzer expects Richards to meet the team on Friday in Detroit, with a potential debut against the Pistons on Saturday.
- “We’re excited about adding Nick and what he can bring to our team and how he can impact the game defensively around the rim… that kind of 7-foot size, athleticism can always be impactful,” Budenholzer said.
Pacific Updates
- D’Angelo Russell, who was traded to the Brooklyn Nets, faced off against his former team, the Los Angeles Lakers, for the first time on Friday. Russell reflected on his time in LA, calling his second stint a “blur,” per Dave McMenamin of ESPN. In the matchup, he posted 19 points, six rebounds, and eight assists, though he missed a potential game-winning shot.
- After taking over as interim head coach following Mike Brown’s departure, Doug Christie has led the Sacramento Kings from a 13-19 record to a 21-20 mark, putting the team firmly in the postseason picture. Jason Anderson of The Sacramento Bee delves into Christie’s journey from a key player in the Kings’ 2001-02 Western Conference Finals run to his current role as a coach.
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