After a rough stretch, the Phoenix Suns have begun to turn things around recently as they have climbed back into a playoff spot. Phoenix started the season 8-1, but they then hit a major rough patch,

Get to know new Phoenix Suns center Nick Richards and what his potential role with the NBA team could be after his trade from the Charlotte Hornets.

Kevin Durant scored 29 points and Nick Richards continued to make a stellar impression as the Phoenix Suns notched a 119-109 victory over the visiting Washington Wizards on Saturday night.

The Suns traded Josh Okogie and three future second-round picks Wednesday for Richards and a second-round selection. Wearing No. 2, Richards joined the Suns (20-20) Friday in Detroit and was ready to make his debut Saturday against the Pistons (21-20) at Little Caesars Arena.

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.

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.

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.

Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal and big Jusuf Nurkic practiced Friday heading into Saturday’s rematch against the Washington Wizards at Footprint Center to begin a three-game homestand. Suns coach Mike Budenholzer is “hopeful” Beal is able to play against his former team after missing Wednesday’s win over Brooklyn with a left ankle sprain to end a five-game road trip.