Following an injury-interrupted season, the Miami Heat are excited for what lies ahead for rising swingman Josh Richardson.
It may just be one game, but the Miami Heat would have to be salivating at the first preseason performance of swingman Josh Richardson.
The Heat opened up their preseason campaign by producing a 96-90 win at home over the Atlanta Hawks. While it was a fairly even performance across the board with minutes evenly distributed, it was the performance of Richardson coming off the bench that was the most noteworthy of the night.
The Heat signaled their intentions this offseason by backing Richardson for the future, signing him to a four-year, $42 million contract extension. Considering the injury-interrupted season he experienced last season, this spoke volumes about the regard the Heat have for the 24-year-old.
Playing in just 53 games, Richardson missed all of last year’s training camp and preseason schedule due to a knee injury, and was never able to fully demonstrate the promise he showed as a rookie until the last handful of games of the regular season.
But with a full summer of preparation behind him, and the backing of the front office with a hefty contract extension, Richardson is primed to shine.
More from Miami Heat
- 7 Players the Miami Heat might replace Herro with by the trade deadline
- Are the Miami Heat laying the groundwork for their next super team?
- Report: Miami Heat hoping to keep key player out of Lillard trade talks
- Grade the Trade: The Heat pass on Lillard to land an MVP in this proposal
- NBA Rumors: Heat have big plans to upgrade frontcourt if they land Lillard
In the game against the Hawks, Richardson produced 12 points, three rebounds, two assists and a steal in 24 minutes of play. But most impressive were the four blocks he recorded in his role as a dynamic perimeter defender.
Richardson gave us a glimpse of what he was capable of producing over the final six games of last season. In addition to producing 15.0 points, 3.2 rebounds and 3.2 assists, Richardson also averaged 2.3 blocks and 1.3 steals per game.
At 6’6″ with a 6’10” wingspan, Richardson’s combination of athleticism and elite instincts enables him to wreak havoc at the defensive end of the court.
One example from the Hawks game is the following chase-down block. Despite being beaten off the dribble, Richardson’s length and athleticism enabled him to recover with authority.
https://twitter.com/MiamiHEAT/status/914637212767145984
In addition to contesting at the rim, Richardson also demonstrated his ability to close out on the corner-3, as he did with the following rejection of former Heat forward Luke Babbitt:
Shortly after extending his contract this offseason, team president Pat Riley described the excitement and faith the franchise has in Richardson moving forward:
"“We believe in him – his size, his length, his defensive ability….He’s a prototype NBA player, and he’s young. We thought he was worth it [the contract extension] and we expect great things from him.”"
With defense being a Heat trademark, Richardson’s presence on the perimeter, whether starting or as a reserve, is a boon for the team. Last season, the Heat ranked fifth in the league for defensive rating (points per 100 possessions) at 104.1. Furthermore, when Richardson was on the floor, the Heat were 1.4 points per 100 possessions better on the defensive end.
In addition to his defensive efforts, the Heat will be hoping Richardson can recapture his late-season flurry from downtown, when he shot at a 53.1 percent clip from 3-point range on 5.3 attempts per game.
Next: Top 10 candidates for 2017-18 Defensive Player of the Year
So whether he is in a starting or reserve role come opening night, Richardson’s versatility at both ends of the floor provides the Heat a unique look as they embark on a new season.