The Phoenix Suns underwent a massive roster overhaul this offseason, and it is clear that they made the center position a high priority. This meant that Nick Richards - acquired at the deadline from the Charlotte Hornets last time out - has quickly gone from the starter to default, to the fourth choice big man in The Valley.
The subsequent trade for another Hornet in Mark Williams - plus lottery pick Khaman Maluach - meant Richards went from the top of the depth chart to the bottom overnight. With second year forward Oso Ighodaro starting the first two games of the season at the five, he has also leapfrogged him as well.
Injury and inexperience have given Richards a lifeline.
Yet despite being limited to only seven minutes played across two games so far - miles down on the 22.7 of last season in Phoenix - Richards has taken on a new importance. That's because Williams is already out as he manages his knee, and what that means is that he's unlikely to play in back-to-backs moving forward.
Mark Williams OUT today vs the Nuggetshttps://t.co/PynDjnfZ8t
— Valley of the Suns (@ValleyoftheSuns) October 25, 2025
Right away that will give Richards more of a chance to shine, and the Suns will need him even if it is only off the bench. Williams himself didn't start in either game - and given Richards has always looked better as a backup - the smart money here is on Ighodaro continuing in the role while the 27-year-old backs him up.
Once Jalen Green comes back from his own injury, that could have a knock-on impact for Richards as well. The Suns will struggle to play Green, Devin Booker, Dillon Brooks, Grayson Allen and Ighodaro. But head coach Jordan Ott will have to get the balance between offense and defense right as well, which could make Richards a better option than Ighodaro for more minutes of the game.
He still likely wouldn't start in that scenario, but it is clear coach Ott is not yet settled on what his rotations are going to be. Then there is Maluach, who received a DNP in his first professional game. The Suns don't seem too enthusiastic about turning their three rookies loose and living with the results. Coach Ott looks like he wants to win games.
It is going to take the 19-year-old time to get comfortable in this league, and until that happens Richards is the safer option. Really then he has the chance to go from first to fourth choice over the course of one summer - and perhaps all the way back again if the situation breaks right - before likely settling into a backup role. Suns were smart not to trade Richards too soon.