Brendon Kleen and Ben Garcia here, the hosts of the daily Locked On Suns podcast, with your daily Locked On Suns newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Suns and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
What Does the Nick Richards Trade Mean For the Suns?
Dec 3, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets center Nick Richards (4) reacts to a call on the court during the second half against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-Imagn Images | Sam Sharpe/Sam Sharpe-Imagn Images
The Phoenix Suns got their guy.
After years of fans and reporters circling Charlotte center Nick Richards from afar, he’s headed to Phoenix for the price of Josh Okogie, two 2nd-round picks, and a 2nd-round pick swap.
So what will he change?
The Suns are current stuck in a rut of inconsistency and poor competitive spirit. At first glance, a backup big man feels like a whisper in the wind of all the issues facing this team.
But Richards’ strenghts align pretty nicely with the Suns’ weaknesses.
Start with the rebounding. Richards would rank as a top-10 offensive rebounder and top-15 defensive rebounder in the NBA if he played enough minutes to make the list. Beyond that, he is above average as a finisher and rim protector. For a team that gets crushed in the paint on a nightly basis, Richards will be a refreshing addition.
Richards does have his warts. Like the Suns’ other centers, he struggles with turnovers. His offensive skill level is pretty limited, making him a traditional rim-running center. Defensively, he is primarily a rim protector and not as effective moving his feet on the perimeter.
But given that the Suns haven’t even been able to stick with one center this season who is a consistent positive on the court, Richards figures to help significantly.
Looking forward, this first move will decide if there is a second. Can Richards hold down the 5 spot, or do they need more? Does the insertion of a solid center improve the team enough to convince the Suns’ front office to reach higher? That all comes down to how Richards meets this moment and the ripple effects across the rest of the team.
Jan 4, 2025; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) greets Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) before a game at Frost Bank Center. | Scott Wachter/Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
I only get to write this column once per week, so while we’re still technically a game or two short of the halfway marker for most teams, I’m here with some second-quarter awards anyway!
These are honors for the second quarter and second quarter only; they aren’t predictive. Word count limitations mean I have no margin for a longer introduction. You get it.
Interior Defensive Player of the Quarter
Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs
When it comes to analyzing defense, it isn’t fair to lump wings and guards with bigs; it’s like comparing a sports car to a heavy-duty pickup truck when you can only buy one vehicle. Instead, I split Defensive Player of the Quarter into interior and perimeter editions.
My Interior Defensive Player of the Quarter won’t shock: it’s Victor Wembanyama. I could throw a bunch of advanced analytics at you to prove the case, but instead, I’d ask that you join me in prayer: Holy mother of basketballs, protect your children from the harm Wembanyama inflicts upon them.
Ok, fine, here’s one fun, if basic, number. In the season’s second quarter, Wemby had an outrageous 69 blocks. That’s 30 more than second-place Myles Turner, despite the fact that Turner played in three more games. Let’s not waste time here.
Mike Shearer (@bballispoetry) has written about the NBA full-time since 2021 at various and sundry places. For more from Mike, check out his Substack bestseller, Basketball Poetry, where he uses unnecessary metaphors and the occasional haiku to discuss the NBA’s happenings with an analytical lens.
Home and Away
Analysis The recent trade for Nick Richards is dissected, emphasizing his potential impact on the Suns’ rebounding and defensive capabilities. The article offers a detailed analysis of the team’s strategy. (Bright Side of the Sun)
Analysis An NBA analyst suggests that the Phoenix Suns need to reconsider their approach with their star players, arguing the current experiment has not yielded the desired results and exploring potential adjustments. (Sports Illustrated)
Roster Newly acquired center Nick Richards is set to start for the Phoenix Suns, providing much-needed depth and strength to their roster. This decision highlights the team’s strategic planning. (Sports Illustrated)
Analysis Examining the Phoenix Suns’ dream and realistic targets for the 2025 trade deadline, this piece analyzes potential acquisitions that could enhance the team’s performance. (Bleacher Report)
Preview The Suns visit the Wizards in Washington D.C. for a game starting at 7:00 PM ET. Read the preview.(NBA)
Nick Richards Traded to Phoenix Suns: Fantasy Basketball Impact and Analysis
Jan 12, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Charlotte Hornets center Nick Richards (4) against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas/Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Phoenix Suns have acquired center Nick Richards from the Charlotte Hornets in a trade that sent shockwaves through the NBA. While not a blockbuster deal, this move has significant implications for fantasy basketball managers.
In exchange for Richards, the Hornets received Josh Okogie and three second-round picks, while the Suns also got a second-round pick in return. At first glance, it might seem like the Suns got a steal, but let’s take a closer look at what this means for Richards’ fantasy value.
Richards has been averaging 21 minutes per game this season, putting up 9 points and 7.5 rebounds with 1.2 blocks. These numbers have him ranked 205th in category leagues, which is far from impressive. However, the change of scenery could potentially boost his value.
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Phoenix Suns Eek Out Victory Over Washington As Ryan Dunn Posts Career Night
The Phoenix Suns escaped Washington with a win over the Wizards despite an ugly fourth quarter from Devin Booker and Co. Brendon Kleen and Ben Garcia recap the 130-123 win, including how the fourth quarter slipped away, continued questions around Tyus Jones, the solid flow between Booker and Kevin Durant, and Ryan Dunn’s career night.
Phoenix Suns Acquire Nick Richards: How Much Of a Boost Will He Bring?
The Phoenix Suns upgraded their center rotation on Wednesday by trading for Nick Richards, who is expected to start right away. Brendon Kleen and Ben Garcia break down the deal, including the price of the deal sending Josh Okogie out, how much better Richards makes the Suns, and what comes next ahead of the NBA trade deadline.
Phoenix Suns Lose Tight Game In Atlanta Despite Kevin Durant & Devin Booker Combining For 66
The Phoenix Suns dropped a tight game in Atlanta despite Kevin Durant and Devin Booker combining for 66 points on the road. Brendon Kleen and Ben Garcia break down the loss, including how Bradley Beal came up short late, how familiar issues plagued the Suns again, and the night of growing pains for the Suns’ rookies.
