SLAM DUNK

NOT many players get the opportunity to impress a superstar like two-time NBA champion Kevin Durant. However, Jamaican centre Nick Richards is already showing his value to the Phoenix Suns and hopes to seal a long-term impact.

The former Jamaica College student made his debut for the team off the bench last Saturday and starred with 21 points and 11 rebounds in the Suns’ 125-121 win over the Detroit Pistons, becoming the first player in the team’s history to do so. He also grabbed four rebounds and registered two blocks in Monday’s loss to Eastern Conference leaders Cleveland Cavaliers.

Richards, who moved to New York in 2013, was drafted in the NBA in 2020, becoming the eighth Jamaican to make an NBA roster. He spent the last four years with the Charlotte Hornets, where he played over 220 games and averaged seven points and close to six rebounds.

However, his stint with the team came to an end on January 15 when he was traded to the title-contending Suns to join the likes of Durant and four-time NBA All-Star and double Olympic gold medallist Devin Booker.

Although he didn’t expect the move, Richards says he’s happy to play with some of the league’s best.

“It’s the world we live in. You don’t think about [getting traded] but you mentally prepare for it. It came as a shock at first but you got to keep going; life goes on,” he said.

“I’m excited. The guys here a little older, have more experience under their belts, so it’s going to be a good point for me to get to learn from these guys.”

Following his debut, Durant says he’s looking forward to playing more games with the Jamaican.

“He was terrific. Finishing around the rim, giving us extra possessions on offensive boards. He’s special, and he’s getting more and more comfortable. He’s vocal out there, talking to us, anchoring the defence — I like the start,” said Durant. “To get 20 and 10 in your first game with the team, kept it simple, didn’t do too much, finished well, rebounded well, so hope he keeps building on it.”

He also received high praise from Suns Head Coach Mike Budenholzer who says Richards makes a difference to the team.

“I think he brings a little more size. He’s a legit seven footer; you feel his size in every way so you feel that at the rim defensively, blocking shots, defensive rebounding, offensively more of a lob threat, screen setter with size. I think he’s just a little bit bigger, so that’s what we’re excited about,” he said.

“We’re excited about having him, working with him, helping him grow, and I think he’s going to help our team grow,” Budenholzer added.

During Richards’ time with the Hornets the team failed to make the play-offs, finishing as one of the bottom teams in the Eastern Conference.

With the Suns, the expectations will be different as they seek to challenge for the title.

However, Richards says he doesn’t plan on overthinking anything and intends to do his best for the team.

“It’s just excitement, no pressure; I don’t feel any pressure at all. I know what I can do, I’m confident. I’m not going to do anything outside of myself — it’s just a moment where I have to play basketball,” he said.

“I’m just trying my hardest out there and the competitive fire comes out. It’s just the way I’ve played my entire life.”

He’s also grateful that he’s joined a team with similar conditions to his home country.

“I moved to New York when I came from Jamaica, so I’m used to the cold weather, but it’s nice to get some sun,” Richards said.