Charlotte Hornets: Analyzing Nick Richards’ first G-League game

After sending Nick Richards to the Greensboro Swarm last week, the Charlotte Hornets finally had a chance to see their second-round pick play in the G-League.

The Hornets have seen Richards get small stints of playing time during this season. He’s appeared in eight games so far averaging 1.4 points and 0.8 rebounds per game; he’s played in a total of 23 minutes in those eight games (2.9 minutes per game). Since Richards hasn’t seen a lot of playing time, the Hornets thought it would be best for him to get some minutes in the G-League.

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Richards’ first G-League performance was nothing short of exciting. In his first game with the Greensboro Swarm in a 122-109 loss to G-League Ignite, Ricahrds finished with 26 points, 10 rebounds, and four blocked shots.

Richards was a force in the paint and in transition. Even though the Swarm lost, he was a big reason the game remained relatively close.

The most surprising part of his Swarm debut was Richards’ ability to shoot from beyond the arc. While in college, Richards never attempted a three-point shot. Richards finished 2/3 from three against the Ignite.

Charlotte’s current roster does not feature any consistent three-point shooting centers, Richards could potentially bring a new skill set to Charlotte if he’s given more playing time.

Richards’ ability to rebound also proved to be very useful to the Swarm. His defense in the paint helped to get the ball back in key points in the game. Richards looks like a strong rebounder that could continue to improve with more playing time with the Swarm.

Cody Zeller and Bismack Biyombo are currently set to become unrestricted free agents after this season. Charlotte will need Richards to develop nicely if he wishes to earn a bigger role with the team.

The Swarm will play their next game Tuesday afternoon against the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. Vernon Carey Jr. has been the starting center for the Swarm, but it’ll be interesting to see if they try to slide Richards into the starting lineup after his terrific first game.