Suns Nick Richards dropped a 2-word confession about his upcoming home debut

Sometimes trading for the shiniest thing doesn’t always work out. However, when The Phoenix Suns traded for Nick Richardshe solved a pressing need: rebounding and physicality.

The former Charlotte Hornets backup center has already started two games with his new team, and Richards has brought a toughness the team lacked in the fifth. When is it Suns bench Jusuf Nurkicthey immediately lost that returning and dominant inner presence.

Fast forward to the acquisition of Richards, and the void is filled. His athleticism, post moves and footwork were impressive. After scoring eight points and grabbing 15 rebounds, he helped Phoenix close in the rebounding battle. Although they were outshot 52-48, it is a step in the right direction.

As the road trip ends, the Suns are 3-2 and 2-1 since Richards joined the team. On Saturday, they will play in front of the Phoenix fans. He spoke with AZCentral’s Duane Rankin and gave a simple answer on his feelings about the game.

“Definitely excited,” Richards said.

Suns fans have longed for a physical presence on the interior, and Richards is just that. However, it’s not just his fans who are excited. Even the head coach of the Suns Mike Budenholzer was excited about the Richards trade. He talked about getting him up to speed on offense as well as developing chemistry with guys like Kevin Durant and Devin Booker.

Nick Richards was just what the Suns needed

Again, adding a big rebounder who can get out in transition, catch alley-oops and clear the glass is huge. While it’s still a bit of a concern, Richards denies part of the problem. Not only him clear the bounce departmentbut is effective out of the pick-and-roll.

That gives Phoenix a legitimate lob threat from the inside. As a result, it allowed Booker and Durant to take advantage of the mid-range game. Both players are excellent in that area. If teams want to step up or protect on a screen, the two can find Richards sliding to the basket for an easy score.

funny enough Durant reacted positively to the Richards trade. Real hoopers respect real hoopers, and that’s what a great man is. With all the trade frenzy going on, the team has secured one of its biggest needs, and it’s already paying off in three games.

In his first game, he had a double-double with 21 points and 11 rebounds in 27 minutes off the bench. It looked like he played with the Suns all season. His timing at the basket was impeccable, and his movement off screens and establishing a physical presence in the paint was much needed.

The Suns will have to rely on Nick Richards throughout the season

He’s not a star like Durant, Booker, or even Bradley Beal, but his impact is just as great. Superstars need enforcers. Richards won’t fight anyone or annoy anyone like that. However, he is a beast in the paint. Nothing plans to get past him in any way, shape or form.

Richards was in and out of the starting lineup. After all, Budenholzer is trying to catch Richards off guard. It has worked solidly so far. Fortunately, Phoenix will have more time to rest before Saturday’s game. They will then take on the Washington Wizards in Richards’ home debut.

As he said after Wednesday’s game, he’s ‘definitely excited’. That excitement could continue if the Suns get their second win against the Wizards this season and start the short three-game home trip on a positive note.