1 day Ago
PHOENIX — Newly acquired Suns center Nick Richards will make his home debut for the Suns on Saturday, but he said Phoenix doesn't feel like home just yet. Phoenix made the move in the middle of a long road trip, and Richards joined the team halfway through. After practice on Friday, he said he's hoping to get settled soon.
"I'm still living out of a suitcase in a hotel room. But everybody in the organization - the players, the staff, the front office - everybody has been welcoming me with open arms." It's open arms from the Suns because they are banking on the long arms of Richards to help them on the boards and at the rim.
The early returns have been positive. The Suns are 2-1 since acquiring Richards, and in those games, he has averaged 10 rebounds. "Everybody is just telling me to just be myself and I've been telling myself that since I've gotten here," he said.
The move is an upgrade for both parties. Richards is now with a team that wants to win and also one that wants him. "I think the Suns traded for me just because of the stuff that I'm naturally able to do," he said.
"Just a little more size. The presence at the rim both defensively and offensively," said head coach Mike Budenholzer, who now has another piece to add to the puzzle. "We feel good about how Nick is fitting in," he added.
Richards meanwhile is still unpacking both his clothes and his emotions. "I'll give it two home games and I think I'll feel right at home," he said. Arizona sports The city of Phoenix is home to four major professional sports league teams; The NFL's Arizona Cardinals, NBA's Phoenix Suns, WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury and MLB's Arizona Diamondbacks.
The Cardinals have made State Farm Stadium in Glendale their home turf and the Footprint Center in downtown Phoenix is home to both the Suns and the Mercury. The Indoor Football League’s Arizona Rattlers play at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale. Phoenix also has a soccer team with the USL's Phoenix Rising FC, who play at Phoenix Rising FC Stadium in Phoenix.
The Valley hosts multiple major sporting events every year, including college football's Fiesta Bowl and Guaranteed Rate Bowl; the PGA Tour’s highest-attended event, the WM Phoenix Open; NASCAR events each spring and fall, including Championship Weekend in November; and Cactus League Spring Training for 15 Major League Baseball franchises..
