The Phoenix Suns acquired Nick Richards on Jan. 15. They have disappointed this season and knew upgrades were necessary. Phoenix discussed Kevin Durant trades to try to reset their roster, but Richards was the best the franchise could do with their cap constraints.
The Suns are 6-8 with the seven-footer in their lineup but have lost three straight and six of their last seven. Things appear to be heading south in Phoenix. The Durant rumors have not stopped, and their biggest upgrade was not a starter for the Hornets. There were always going to be issues, and the Suns' roster simply is not good enough to contend for a championship.
Phoenix missed a crucial reason why Charlotte did not use Richards more. They are quickly understanding and it is why his minutes are trending in the wrong direction.
Suns are worse with Nick Richards on the floor just like the Hornets were
Through 14 games with Phoenix, the Suns have a 115.2 offensive rating with Richards on the floor, which is slightly below their 115.3 mark when he’s on the bench. The bigger problem is on defense where the franchise sits at 121.2 with him and 116.2 without. They have a negative-6.0 net rating when the seven-footer plays and just negative-0.9 with him on the bench.
It was the same in Charlotte. The Hornets were negative-9.3 with Richards and negative-4.9 without to begin this season. Last year, they were 3.1 points per 100 possessions better without him on the floor.
He puts up strong blocks and rebounds but fails to impact winning. The 27-year-old has never played in the playoffs and averaged just 17.7 minutes per game during his four-plus seasons on the Hornets. It was the Suns' mistake for assuming Richards would instantly be significantly better in Phoenix.
He averages just 23.6 minutes per game, despite making 13 starts with the Suns since playing his first game on Jan. 18. Over the last six, Richards has twice played fewer than 20 minutes and has seen his average drop to 21.4.
Head coach Mike Budenholzer quickly realized that the Suns are better off with him on the bench. Phoenix lacks options at the center position, but Richards quickly proved he is not the answer for a team with championship aspirations.
The Phoenix Suns are headed toward an uncertain future. Kevin Durant may be gone this summer, and the franchise will be searching for a way to get into the title race with Devin Booker as their alpha. Bradley Beal’s contract and the center position will be problems. Nick Richards is not their answer at the five. Expect the Suns to chase the solution this summer as they retool. The franchise will likely be the talk of the NBA, so stay tuned.