Nick Richards stats has quietly become one of the most promising big men in the NBA over the past few seasons. Standing at 7 feet tall, with an impressive wingspan and solid build, Richards’ journey from his high school days to becoming a key role player in the NBA is a tale of perseverance, development, and raw athleticism. As of 2025, Nick Richards’ career is gaining momentum, with his stats reflecting his growth and importance to his current team, the Phoenix Suns.
Early Life and Education: The Foundation of Nick Richards’ Career
Nick Richards was born in Kingston, Jamaica, in 1997. Although he spent his early years in the Caribbean, Richards moved to the United States to pursue his basketball dreams. He attended St. Mary’s High School in Manhasset, New York, where his potential quickly became apparent. Standing out in high school basketball, Richards caught the attention of scouts with his impressive height and athleticism. His shot-blocking ability, along with his rebounding skills, made him one of the most coveted prospects at the time.
Richards later transferred to The Patrick School in Hillside, New Jersey, where he played alongside other highly-touted prospects. His performances at The Patrick School earned him a place at the University of Kentucky, one of the most prestigious basketball programs in the nation.
College Career: The Development of a Future NBA Talent
At Kentucky, Richards played under legendary coach John Calipari. His college career allowed him to refine his skills, particularly in the areas of defense and rebounding. Richards was a key member of the Wildcats’ rotation, playing alongside future NBA stars like Tyrese Maxey, Immanuel Quickley, and Ashton Hagans.
Over his two seasons at Kentucky, Richards showcased his incredible physical tools, but he also experienced the challenges of adapting to the college level. In his sophomore year, Richards posted averages of 14.0 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game. His defensive presence in the paint became his signature skill, and it earned him a reputation as one of the best shot-blockers in college basketball.
The NBA Draft: A New Beginning
Richards declared for the 2020 NBA Draft after his sophomore year at Kentucky, and he was selected by the New Orleans Pelicans with the 42nd overall pick in the second round. However, his NBA rights were soon traded to the Charlotte Hornets, where he would begin his professional career.
At the time, many scouts saw Richards as a raw but promising talent. His shot-blocking and rebounding skills were his most developed traits, but his offensive game was still a work in progress. Nevertheless, Charlotte saw potential in him, especially as a backup center.
Nick Richards’ NBA Career: From Rookie to Key Contributor
2020-2021: A Learning Year
Richards made his NBA debut during the 2020-2021 season with the Charlotte Hornets, but his rookie year was primarily spent adjusting to the pace and physicality of the professional game. He played a limited role, spending time between the NBA roster and the G League, where he could continue developing his skills. He averaged 1.9 points and 1.6 rebounds per game during his rookie season in limited minutes.
2021-2022: Growth and Opportunities
During the 2021-2022 season, Richards started to show signs of the player he could become. While his minutes were still inconsistent, his performances in spot starts and off the bench were more promising. He showed improved efficiency, particularly in the rebounding department, and his ability to protect the rim continued to shine. For the season, he averaged 3.1 points and 3.4 rebounds in 12.4 minutes per game.
2022-2023: A Breakout Year
The 2022-2023 season marked a significant leap for Richards. With the Hornets going through a rebuilding phase, Richards was given more opportunities to prove himself. He appeared in 59 games, starting in 32 of them, and made notable improvements across multiple categories. He averaged 7.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game while shooting 58.3% from the field. His increased role allowed him to showcase his potential as a backup center and rim protector.
Nick Richards in the 2024-2025 Season: Key Stats and Performance
As of 2025, Nick Richards’ career has taken another step forward. His continued development has made him an integral part of the Charlotte Hornets, and, later, the Phoenix Suns after his trade in early 2025. Here’s a breakdown of his performance during the 2024-2025 NBA season.
Key Stats of Nick Richards in 2024-2025
Points Per Game: 9.0
Rebounds Per Game: 7.8
Assists Per Game: 1.3
Blocks Per Game: 1.2
Field Goal Percentage: 56.1%
Free Throw Percentage: 70.2%
During this season, Richards showcased his ability to be a reliable scorer in the paint, with many of his points coming off rebounds, putbacks, and alley-oops. His defense remained a standout aspect of his game, with 1.2 blocks per game, ranking him among the top shot-blockers on his team.
Richards’ numbers have also benefited from his increased minutes. He played a more significant role for the Hornets in the first half of the season, but after his trade to the Phoenix Suns in January 2025, he seamlessly integrated into their rotation.
Nick Richards’ Trade to the Phoenix Suns: A New Chapter
On January 12, 2025, the Charlotte Hornets traded Nick Richards to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for Jusuf Nurkic and future draft picks. This trademarked a major turning point in Richards’ career. The Suns, who were in need of an upgrade in the frontcourt, saw potential in Richards as a more athletic and defensively minded option.
Performance With the Phoenix Suns
Since joining the Suns, Richards’ role has evolved. His minutes and responsibilities have increased, and he has played alongside stars like Devin Booker and Kevin Durant, allowing him to further develop his game. In his first few games with the Suns, Richards averaged 9.3 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game, with a field goal percentage of 59.3%.
His impact on the Suns has been immediate. In one of his first games with the team, Richards posted 21 points and 11 rebounds, showing his ability to contribute significantly on both ends of the court.
Nick Richards’ Playing Style: Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
Rebounding and Rim Protection: One of Richards’ primary strengths is his ability to rebound and protect the rim. His size and athleticism make him a constant threat in the paint, both as a shot-blocker and a key rebounder.
Efficient Scorer: Richards has developed into a highly efficient scorer, particularly in close-range situations. His field goal percentage has steadily increased over the years, showing his ability to finish around the basket with both power and finesse.
Athleticism: Standing at 7 feet tall, Richards combines size with impressive leaping ability. His athleticism allows him to be a threat in transition and as a rim protector.
Weaknesses
Offensive Versatility: While Richards has improved his scoring, he is still somewhat limited offensively, especially in terms of range. His outside shooting remains a work in progress, which could limit his potential as a versatile offensive weapon.
Foul Trouble: At times, Richards can get into foul trouble, particularly when defending against quicker and more skilled players. This is an area he continues to work on as he matures as an NBA player.
Future Outlook: What’s Next for Nick Richards?
As of 2025, Nick Richards is firmly on an upward trajectory. His consistent improvement in both offensive and defensive aspects of the game suggests that he has the potential to be a key contributor for the Phoenix Suns for years to come.
With his athleticism, size, and defensive prowess, Richards could evolve into one of the most impactful centers in the league. Whether or not he develops a reliable jump shot will play a significant role in determining his long-term success in the NBA. For now, fans of the Suns and basketball enthusiasts alike will be eagerly watching Richards’ continued development as he becomes an integral part of a championship-contending team.
Final Thoughts
Nick Richards has come a long way since his high school days in New York, and his development into a reliable NBA player is evident in his impressive 2024-2025 season. His performance with the Charlotte Hornets and subsequent trade to the Phoenix Suns has only increased his profile in the league. As he continues to refine his skills, there is no doubt that Richards will be a player to watch for years to come. Whether he’s protecting the rim, grabbing rebounds, or scoring efficiently in the paint, Richards has proven he belongs in the NBA.
FAQs
What is Nick Richards’ playing style?
Nick Richards is known for his athleticism and strong presence in the paint. He excels at rebounding, shot-blocking, and finishing around the rim. While his offensive game is still a work in progress, he’s developed a reputation as a reliable rim protector and efficient scorer in the paint.
Why was Nick Richards traded to the Phoenix Suns?
In January 2025, Nick Richards was traded to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for Jusuf Nurkic and future draft picks. The Suns saw potential in Richards to provide athleticism, rebounding, and defense to their frontcourt, while the Hornets sought to rebuild with the acquisition of Nurkic.
How has Nick Richards performed with the Phoenix Suns?
Since joining the Phoenix Suns in January 2025, Nick Richards has had a strong impact. He has averaged 9.3 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game while maintaining a field goal percentage of 59.3%. His performance has been key in strengthening the Suns’ interior defense and rebounding.
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