Kevin Durant’s reaction to the Suns’ huge Nick Richards trade

When Nick Richards was traded to the Phoenix Sunsit addressed a very crucial need. Rebounding.

No one felt it like the Suns forward Kevin Durant. The All-Star explained to AZCentral’s Duane Rankin during Thursday’s morning taping how Richards is strongly assists Phoenix in painting.

“He’s a strong presence in the paint, a big body that can wreak havoc down there and cause some issues with his rim protection. He gets his hands on the basketball on the offensive glass and then finishes above the rim. It’s something we all have to get better at as a group. Let’s hope he guides us in that area. I’m just controlling the color.”

Phoenix has had three games this season in which it has allowed 20 or more offensive rebounds in a game. Most notably their recent game against the Atlanta Hawks. While Onyeka Okongwu had 20 points and 20 rebounds off the bench, it highlighted the team’s need for depth.

Since when The Suns have Jusuf Nurkic on the benchbounce presence is missed. While backup centers Mason Plumlee and Oso Ighodaro have done their best, they are not as physical as Nurkic. And they certainly aren’t as physical as Richards can be.

Nick Richards trade helps Suns rebound

Although he mostly came off the bench, Richards showed what he can do as a starter. For example, when the Suns traveled to Charlotte, the big man had the starting nod. He announced 15 points, 12 rebounds, three blocks, and +23 in boxing.

In addition to his physicality, he has presented issues as a lob threat, something that point guard Tyus Jones will be excited about. He hasn’t had a consistent lob threat all season. Bringing Richards into the lineup helps the quarterback run the pick-and-roll much more effectively.

After that move, Phoenix still did not trade Nurkic. Even so, it’s clear that Richards will enter the rotation. As of this writing it is not clear where he will be. He could come off the bench or start. There are no words at this time.

Richards likely won’t be available until Saturday’s game against the Detroit Pistons. He will have to clear his physical first before joining the team on its longest road trip of the season. Once they get a former big man from Charlotte, some of those running back woes should be gone before anyone knows it.

At least for Thursday’s game, they’ll have to wait until Richards is available.