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Rockets Targeting Hornets Center Richards to Solve Big Man Problem?

Originally posted on FanNation Inside The Rockets
By Jonah Morgan | Last updated 1/18/24

The Houston Rockets have a great starting center in Alperen Şengün, but once you get to their bench, that's where it starts to get a little bit dicey.

The only other players listed at center on the roster besides Şengün are Jack Landale and Boban Marjanović. And as much as everyone loves players like Boban, the Rockets could use another big man coming off the bench.

Luckily, multiple sources including Bleacher Report's Eric Pincus have reported that the Charlotte Hornets are willing to part ways with any of their players except for LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, and Mark Williams.

A player who the Rockets could make use of is center Nick Richards, who is having a pretty solid year for the Hornets this season.

The former Kentucky center is averaging a career-high in just about every statistical category and has been one of the bright spots for an otherwise pretty gloomy season for the Hornets.

If the Rockets were to trade for Richards, it would give them some much-needed depth at the center position, which could take some pressure off Şengün.

Richards has appeared in 32 games averaging 8.7 points, 7.6 rebounds and 1.3 blocks. His best game of the season came during the Hornets' 112-107 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on Dec. 15. He finished the game with 16 points on 7 of 7 shooting from the field, six rebounds and a block.

Şengün and the rest of the Rockets will be back in action on Saturday against the Utah Jazz. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. in Toyota Center.

This article first appeared on FanNation Inside The Rockets and was syndicated with permission.

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