Richards will come off the bench in his Phoenix debut as the backup center to Mason Plumlee. However, it wouldn't be surprising for Richards to fight for a starting job moving forward as he acclimates to his new team. CBS Sports is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. Commissioner.com is a registered trademark of CBS Interactive Inc.

The Phoenix Suns' center rotation was in a dire state recently. Phoenix hopes trading for Nick Richards from the Charlotte Hornets will help ease their concerns.

During Week 13, the Blazers will play four games, beginning with the Heat on Tuesday. With Mark Williams firmly entrenched as Charlotte’s starting center, Richards needed a move to have a chance of establishing his fantasy ceiling.

This is more than a change of scenery for new Phoenix Suns big Nick Richards. In being traded, Richards leaves a Charlotte franchise that hasn’t made the playoffs since 2016 and joins one that’s looking to compete for championship.

Check azcentral for live updates of scores, highlights, and statistics during the Suns-Pistons game. Suns' new big Nick Richards thrives in 2nd quarter. Devin Booker scored 10 of

The Suns recorded their fourth win in five games but one decision must be made to enhance that superb run of form

There was some belief Richards the Suns just snagged their new starting center, and Arizona Sports' John Gambadoro says Richards will indeed be inserted into the lineup when ready. ESPN's Shams Charania also is reporting the same thing.

Richards - coupled with rookie stud Oso Ighodaro - will inject a very pointed surge of athleticism into the Suns' lineup. Last season Nick Richards had more dunks (120) than Nurkic and Plumlee combined (100) in 1000 fewer minutes.

The Charlotte Hornets traded backup center Nick Richards and a second-round draft pick to the Phoenix Suns for guard Josh Okogie and three second-round draft picks on Wednesday night.

Kevin Durant was excited when the Suns traded for Nick Richards, and explained why during Thursday's shootaround.

It sets the stage for Richards to make his Suns debut after being traded by the Hornets on Wednesday. Although Phoenix could be preparing to have Richards start once he gets acclimated to the system,

Phoenix Suns center Nick Richards made his debut on Saturday at the Detroit Pistons, first coming off the bench in the first quarter.