Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker had high praise for the recently acquired Nick Richards, who was traded from the Charlotte Hornets to the Suns last week. Richards made his debut for Phoenix last Saturday, scoring 21 points and adding 11 rebounds in a 125-121 win at Detroit.
Asked about how Richards is fitting in with his new team, Booker said the big man is doing “great” and praised his work ethic and flexibility in learning a new system.
“He’s doing everything we’ve asked of him,” Booker said. “Learning quick, obviously a little adjustment. I think the guard-big relationship is one of the most important relationships out there. He’s telling me things he sees, I’m telling him things I see. It’s a relationship.”
Booker said working with another big does take time and there are specific factors that come into play only after a certain amount of experience together.
“Flow, timing, screening angles are probably the most important things,” Booker noted. “It’s just building the chemistry.”
Nick Richards brings solid inside presence to Phoenix
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Phoenix acquired Richards and a second-round pick from Charlotte on Jan. 15 in a trade that sent forward Josh Okogie and three second-round picks back to the Hornets.
The Suns ranked last in the NBA in points from their starting center when Richards was brought in, with the team relying primarily on a rotation of veteran Mason Plumlee and rookie Oso Ighodaro in recent games. Center Jusuf Nurkic practiced Friday for Phoenix, but it’s unclear whether he’ll get playing time in Saturday’s contest against the Washington Wizards. Nurkic hasn’t played since Jan. 7 due to illness.
Richards has given the Suns a jolt at center, averaging 11 points and 10 rebounds in his three games in Phoenix while shooting 75 percent from the field.
The Suns’ Kevin Durant was a big proponent of bringing in Richards, saying, “He’s a strong presence in the paint, a big body that can wreak havoc down there and cause some problems with his rim protection. Getting his hands on the basketball on the offensive glass and then finishing above the rim. It’s something we all have to get better at as a group. Hopefully, he leads us in that area. Just controlling the paint.”
Devin Booker, star player for the Phoenix Suns, recently sat down for an interview to discuss his thoughts on the team’s newest addition, Nick Richards. The 7-foot center was drafted by the Suns in the second round of the 2020 NBA Draft, and Booker had some candid thoughts on how Richards will fit in with the team.
Booker praised Richards’ size and athleticism, noting that he will bring a much-needed defensive presence to the Suns’ lineup. “Nick is a big body who can protect the rim and rebound the ball,” Booker said. “I think he will be a great addition to our team and help us on the defensive end.”
Booker also touched on Richards’ offensive game, saying that he has the potential to develop into a solid scorer in the NBA. “Nick has a nice touch around the basket and can finish at the rim,” Booker added. “I think he will only get better with time and experience.”
Overall, Booker seemed optimistic about Richards’ future with the Suns and expressed excitement about the potential impact he could have on the team. “I think Nick has a bright future ahead of him in Phoenix,” Booker said. “I’m looking forward to seeing him grow and contribute to our success on the court.”
With Booker’s seal of approval, Phoenix fans can be confident that Richards will be a valuable asset to the Suns as they continue their quest for an NBA championship.
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