The Phoenix Suns have acquired center Nick Richards, as well as a second-round pick, for Josh Okogie and three seconds, finally solving a substantial need for big man depth.
Richards, who’s averaging 8.9 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.2 blocks on the season, stands 7-feet tall, and immediately strengthens Phoenix’s otherwise modest size, primarily occupied by Jusuf Nurkić and Mason Plumlee.
The addition of Richards is a sign of the Suns going for it this season, as they still have the big three of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal in place.
The trio has had to help out in terms of the team’s big man responsibilities, and now there’s a chance they can scale back on such endeavors, and focus more so on offensive output.
While Richards, 27, only has 221 games of NBA experience, his production the past two seasons should help the Suns in their playoff push. He’ll be tasked with rebounding the ball, protecting the paint, and scoring near the rim.
Of his shot attempts, 94.7% have come from within 10 feet this season, so don’t expect the center to spend much time on the perimeter. He’s a rim-runner, dunker spot, and clean-up guy through and through. For Phoenix that’s not a bad thing.
As for the Hornets, they get a defensive wing whose fit seems a bit wonky given the presence of Josh Green. However, one cannot deny that Okogie is scrappy.
The 26-year-old plays an aggressive style of defense, which leads to steals and a surprising amount of blocks, due to his athletic nature and sense of timing.
Okogie is hitting over 38% from downtown this season, after shooting 29.3% over the first six years of his career, and if that number somehow becomes the new normal, then Charlotte can easily find a way to get him more minutes.
It also seems that Okogie is a bit of an investment into Charlotte’s young players, most of whom aren’t disciplined defensively. The organization could hope to see his influence have a trickle-down effect on those players, particularly LaMelo Ball, who still needs to round out his defensive game to become a true superstar.
But, of course, the big get for Charlotte is the three second-rounders.
The organization wasn’t going anywhere this season, and utilizing the contract of Richards to fetch draft equity was always an obvious path. For a team still a few years away from being truly competitive, adding draft picks to use as either selections or as trade assets gives them another way to make upgrades.
Overall, both teams got what they needed. Richards fills a major need for Phoenix, and the Hornets replenish their draft cupboards. This appears to be a win-win.
