Nick Richards signed an extension with the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday, according to Adrian Wojnarowski. The deal will keep Richards in Charlotte for another three seasons. Richards has averaged 7.9 points and 6.1 rebounds per game this season.
The Hornets came into the season desperately needing more production from its center position. The lack of rebounding and rim protection hurt the team last season, and they finished 23rd in points allowed per possession. And despite Mason Plumlee having a career year this season (the 12.2 points and 9.7 rebounds he averaged while in Charlotte would’ve both been career highs), it was obvious that the franchise had other long-term plans when they traded the Duke University alum.
What does the Nick Richards signing mean for Charlotte’s lineups?
Mark Williams, the 15th pick in the NBA draft, was obviously considered the future. His skill set, rebounding, and shot-blocking were something the franchise had been missing. But the Plumlee trade also opened an opportunity for who would take the reserve minutes for when Williams sat.
PJ Washington had attempted to fill in a lot of the season as a small ball center, but the 6’7 forward often gave up pounds and inches to the opposition. Enter Richards, who has filled in admirably—first as a reserve, and later as a starter after Williams went down with an injury. In his starts this season, Richards is averaging nearly a double-double (9.4 points and 9.4 rebounds in five starts).
The Hornets went from having a real question mark in the middle of the lineup and defense to securing stability with two long, athletic centers that will rim run, screen, and block shots. What’s more, Richards’ roughly $5 million a year price tag (with a team option in the third year) is an extremely team-friendly deal for a player that will likely play important minutes in the foreseeable future.
This season may have been a disappointing one. But between the draft pick that has already paid dividends and the Richards’ re-signing, the Hornets are making incremental improvements that will be seen next season.