Nick Richards Makes Historic Debut for Phoenix Suns

The Phoenix Suns acquired Nick Richards from the Charlotte Hornets to bolster their frontcourt. Richards made a historic debut against the Detroit Pistons, becoming the first player in NBA history to record 29 points, 11 rebounds, and shoot 85% from the field with no turnovers in a team debut.

Richards played 29 minutes off the bench, while Mason Plumlee, the starting center, played only 13 minutes. This trade removes one of the top big men from the market, with the Los Angeles Lakers also reportedly interested in Richards.

Richards had a productive early season with the Hornets, averaging 8.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.2 steals in 21 games. He was originally drafted 42nd overall in the 2020 NBA Draft by the Hornets via a trade with the New Orleans Pelicans.

The Suns, now 21-20 and in 10th place in the Western Conference, have won two consecutive games.