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Ranking the NBA’s 10 most underrated players in 2022-23

By Holden Walter-Warner

Apr 30, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Utah Jazz guard Joe Ingles (2) drives on Phoenix Suns forward Torrey Craig (12) in the first half at Phoenix Suns Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Utah Jazz guard Joe Ingles (2) drives on Phoenix Suns forward Torrey Craig (12) in the first half at Phoenix Suns Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports /
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Charlotte Hornets
Nick Richards NBA(Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) /

2. C Nick Richards, Charlotte Hornets

How many people know where Nick Richards went to college? How many people even know he’s on the Charlotte Hornets now? Get to know the name, because the 25-year-old is breaking out off the Charlotte bench.

Richards was a second-round draft pick out of Kentucky in 2020, immediately dealt from the New Orleans Pelicans to Charlotte. The former First Team All-SEC player spent the majority of his rookie season in the G League before carving out a more permanent role last season.

That being said, it still wasn’t much. Richards played in 50 games but averaged just over seven minutes per game. Charlotte still wasn’t ready to throw the big man to the stingers.

Richards hasn’t started any games this season, but he’s playing almost 20 minutes per game now. He’s taking advantage of the playing time, averaging 9.4 points and 6.7 rebounds per game.

The big man has become one of the elite offensive rebounders in the NBA, keeping possessions alive for his teammates. His total rebound percentage ranks 18th in the league, but his offensive rebound percentage ranks third. Only five players have grabbed more boards on the offensive glass this season so far.

Richards is still playing behind mainstay Mason Plumlee, but Richards is moving ahead in terms of being the more productive player. It’s time for the big man to step out of the shadows and into the starting lineup.