The Suns traded Josh Okogie and three future second-round picks Wednesday for Richards and a second-round selection. Wearing No. 2, Richards joined the Suns (20-20) Friday in Detroit and was ready to make his debut Saturday against the Pistons (21-20) at Little Caesars Arena.
Phoenix saw major contributions from the megastar duo of Kevin Durant and Devin Booker - as the pair combined to score 71 points. The ultimate difference between a win and a loss very well could've been thanks to a phenomenal debut from recently acquired C Nick Richards.
Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker says Nick Richards has been doing "great" since the trade with Charlotte on Jan. 15.
New Suns center Nick Richards had a monster game in his debut following the trade with a feat never before seen.
Suns center Nick Richards scored 21 points off the bench in his on-court debut as Phoenix picked up a 125-121 win over the Detroit Pistons on Saturday.
Richards - coupled with rookie stud Oso Ighodaro - will inject a very pointed surge of athleticism into the Suns' lineup. Last season Nick Richards had more dunks (120) than Nurkic and Plumlee combined (100) in 1000 fewer minutes.
Bradley Beal and Nurkic were benched for the Jan. 6 game at Philadelphia. Nurkic played that game and the next against Charlotte in the second of a road back-to-back, but Suns coach Mike Budenholzer didn't play him the next two games against Atlanta and Utah.
Get to know new Phoenix Suns center Nick Richards and what his potential role with the NBA team could be after his trade from the Charlotte Hornets.
Making his debut for his new team, Nick Richards was one of the many bright spots for the Phoenix Suns as they narrowly beat the resurgent Detroit Pistons 125-121. Off the bench, Richards ...
Phoenix Suns center Nick Richards detailed the shock from playing against the Suns to then becoming a member of the Suns three days later.
Phoenix addressed its size issue by adding Richards, who averaged 11.3 points on 61.7% shooting, 10.2 rebounds, 1.7 blocks and 27.2 minutes in nine starts with the Hornets. For the season, he is averaging 8.9 points on 56.1% shooting, 7.5 rebounds. 1.2 blocks and 21.0 minutes per game in 21 games with Charlotte.