Miami Heat: Josh Richardson’s value to the Heat rises by the day
By Simon Smith
Earning the starting small forward spot to commence the season, Josh Richardson has thus far justified the faith shown in him by the Miami Heat.
Despite coming off an injury-plagued 2016-17 season, the Miami Heat had tremendous faith in Josh Richardson. So much so, that on the verge of training camp for the current season, the Heat signed Richardson to a four-year, $42 million contract extension.
After stepping in for Goran Dragic in the backcourt for the final three preseason games, Richardson was suddenly elevated to the starting small forward role for opening night due to the leg injury suffered by fellow swingman Rodney McGruder. And so far, the returns have been impressive.
Through the first three games, Richardson has averaged 14.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.3 blocks in 36.5 minutes per game — all career highs. At 6’6″ with a 6’10” wingspan, Richardson’s combination of size and athleticism has seen him prove to be a menace at both ends of the floor.
Richardson’s most recent performance was his best so far this season, posting 21 points, four rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks in 37 minutes of action.
Following this electric performance, head coach Erik Spoelstra couldn’t hold back his delight in Richardson’s effort:
"“What didn’t J-Rich do tonight? He was great defensively. Those are the type of plays at the rim we had a former two-guard here make, those kind of blocks. There’s just not many twos in the league that can make those kind of plays and then guard one through four. But stretch the floor for us, space the floor for us and then when needed in the fourth quarter he was very aggressive, being able to attack when their defense stepped up.”"
Coming off a frustrating second season in the league that saw him play in just 53 games due to knee and foot ailments, Richardson is naturally excited to have returned to full health this season:
"“I feel athletic so I always want to take advantage. I want to dunk on everybody now. It feels awesome. That’s why I want to [dunk] so much now. I’ve been going so long not knowing if my leg is going to give out when I jump or if it’s going to hurt. Now I feel bouncy every time down the court. It’s awesome, so yeah I want to take advantage of that.”"
Richardson’s ability to contribute at both ends of the floor makes him an extremely valuable commodity moving forward. Among the 25 players in the league who are averaging at least 35.0 minutes per game, Richardson currently has the eighth-best defensive rating (points allowed per 100 possessions) at 100.4. In fact, through three games, the Heat have been 24.8 points per 100 possessions better off when Richardson has been on the court.
On the offensive end, Richardson’s ability to stretch the floor and connect from deep is a terrific complement for the playmaking abilities of teammates Goran Dragic, Dion Waiters and James Johnson. Through three games, Richardson has the best shooting percentage in the league for all players attempting at least 4.0 3-pointers per game between 25-29 feet from the rim.
Averaging 4.0 attempts per game, Richardson’s 58.3 percent clip is the most efficient among the 31 most prolific shooters from this area of the floor.
With the Heat facing the undefeated San Antonio Spurs in their next home contest, it’s somewhat unfortunate that the Spurs’ resident superstar, Kawhi Leonard, has been already been ruled out of the contest. Regarded as the best perimeter defender in the league, such a matchup would’ve been an ideal test to ascertain just how far Richardson has progressed in his short time in the league.
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But nonetheless, the Heat front office are certain to be more than content in the $42 million investment they’ve made in their 24-year-old dynamic swingman.