Nick Richards
If there is one person who can benefit the most from playing time in this last sprint to the finish, it’s Richards. The 7’0 center has had some really good showings this season. His most recent performance in a win over the Indiana Pacers, he had 14 points and 17 rebounds and was a +18 in a six-point victory. It was Richards’ 11th double-double of the season.
Richards is in an interesting place. After Mason Plumlee’s trade, Richards moved to a key reserve. But he was immediately supplanted by rookie Mark Williams. Now with Williams out, Richards will likely start the rest of the season. Richards is in the last year of his deal and will be an unrestricted free agent. The 2020 second-round draft pick will make a good amount of money, regardless of where he goes. Hopefully, the Hornets can keep a player they traded for on draft night and solidify the center position behind Williams.