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.

New Phoenix Suns center Nick Richards explains his transition to the Suns. He is 2-1 to start his Suns career, averaging 11 points and 10 rebounds.

Phoenix Suns center Nick Richards detailed the shock from playing against the Suns to then becoming a member of the Suns three days later.

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.

Bradley Beal and Nurkic were benched for the Jan. 6 game at Philadelphia. Nurkic played that game and the next against Charlotte in the second of a road back-to-back, but Suns coach Mike Budenholzer didn't play him the next two games against Atlanta and Utah.

The 27-year-old Richards, who is averaging 8.9 points and 7.5 rebounds per game this season, could be the Suns' new starting center.

The Suns made a move to acquire Nick Richards from the Hornets, but some people are more skeptical of the move than expected.

Phoenix saw major contributions from the megastar duo of Kevin Durant and Devin Booker - as the pair combined to score 71 points. The ultimate difference between a win and a loss very well could've been thanks to a phenomenal debut from recently acquired C Nick Richards.

In his Suns debut, center Nick Richards made quite the impression with a 20+ point and 10+ rebound double-double.

Check azcentral for live updates of scores, highlights, and statistics during the Suns-Pistons game. Suns' new big Nick Richards thrives in 2nd quarter. Devin Booker scored 10 of

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.

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.