Nick Richards

Lore & Background

Richards was born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica. He attended Jamaica College and competed in football, volleyball and track and field before being discovered by Andre Ricketts, a New York City-based basketball scout, in the summer of 2013 during a basketball camp in Jamaica. Ricketts brought him to the U.S., where Richards attended St. Mary's High School in Manhasset, New York. He transferred to The Patrick School in Hillside, New Jersey in 2014. He was ranked a five-star recruit in the class of 2017 (by ESPN) and committed to the University of Kentucky in November 2016. He played in the 2017 McDonald's All-American Boys Game, the 2017 Jordan Brand Classic, and the 2017 Nike Hoop Summit. In college, he was named to the First Team All-SEC at the conclusion of the 2019–20 regular season. He was selected by the New Orleans Pelicans 42nd overall in the 2020 NBA draft and immediately traded to the Charlotte Hornets. He signed a three-year, $15 million contract extension with the Hornets on March 22, 2023. On January 15, 2025, Richards was traded to the Phoenix Suns alongside one future second-round pick in exchange for Josh Okogie and three second-round picks. He made his Suns debut three days later. On February 5, 2026, Richards was traded to the Chicago Bulls in a three-team trade involving the Milwaukee Bucks. On August 27, 2026, he signed with the Miami Heat.

Reader's Guide

Nick Richards is a center known for his rebounding and shot-blocking. He played for the Charlotte Hornets, Greensboro Swarm, Phoenix Suns, Chicago Bulls, and currently the Miami Heat. His career averages in the NBA are 7.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks per game.

Did You Know?

• Richards scored a career-high 26 points on January 27, 2024, in a loss to the Utah Jazz.
• He became the first center in Suns franchise history to record a double-double of at least 20 points and 10 rebounds in his debut game while coming off the bench.
• Richards recorded a near 20/20 double-double with 20 points and a career-high 19 rebounds in his home debut for the Suns on January 25, 2025.