Phoenix Suns: 10 stars you forgot played for the Suns
By Jono Perilli
#3: Quentin Richardson (2004-05)
A true bulldog player, Quentin Richardson is way more known for his tenure apart of the LA Clippers. His relationship with Elton Brand and Darius Miles is still highlighted in today’s NBA broadcasts, most recently in the All-Star Celebrity Game, when Richardson and Miles played. But who would’ve thought a year in Phoenix would slip through the cracks.
A pure gun of a shooter, Richardson’s game was fantastic to watch, especially apart of the bulldog era in LA. Richardson is one of the best players to never take part in the All-Star game, especially being snubbed in the 2003-04 season, which was his best year. It’s crazier that Richardson hasn’t faded into obscurity after his career, especially since he has a successful podcast alongside Miles called Knuckleheads.
But let’s take it back to the end of the 2003-04 season, Richardson’s best season in his career. Providing killer scoring, Richardson, unfortunately, couldn’t lead his team to a playoff stint. Hot off a fantastic season, Richardson decided to take his talents to Phoenix, signing to them in the 2004 offseason.
In an absolute stacked team that featured Joe Johnson, Steve Nash, Amar’e Stoudemire and Shawn Marion, shared the spotlight alongside his teammates. Richardson averaged 14.9 points per game in 79 games, managing to grab a piece of the scoring pie. Managing that feat would’ve been challenging considering the pure scorers he had around him, such as Johnson and Marion, but Nash would spark the offense with his elite playmaking, averaging 11.5 assists per game, which would be his MVP season.
The team glided to the Western Conference Finals, where they were beaten by a prime San Antonio Spurs team. The Suns, with Richardson, would’ve been a dominant force if their core stayed together.
Hot off yet another great season, Richardson was traded to the New York Knicks where he’d eventually stay for a while, before getting traded to the Memphis Grizzlies. He’d then get traded about three times in a period of a month before fizzling out.
Quentin Richardson’s tenure in Phoenix was very successful, yet it feels as if he’s been forgotten in a crowd of more well-known names. He made a great impact, yet people forget about his run in a powerhouse Phoenix squad.