5. Josh Richardson becoming elite defensively
Following an up-and-down 2016-17 season, Richardson established himself over the course of the season as one of the elite perimeter defenders in the league.
Starting in all 81 games played, Richardson’s ability to cover multiple positions provided head coach Erik Spoelstra an enormous amount of flexibility at the defensive end of the floor. Over the course of the regular season, Richardson was one of only three players in the league to record at least 120 steals and 70 blocks, with the other two being Robert Covington and Ben Simmons of the Philadelphia 76ers.
Overall, the Heat were 1.2 points per 100 possessions better off defensively when Richardson as on the floor. In terms of his prospects for selection to an All-Defensive Team, Richardson certainly has the backing of Spoelstra:
"“Well that’s been his calling card since he came in….and on that side of the floor, I think he’s All-NBA defense. He is, night in and night out….He’s become a very disciplined, dynamic defender, one that can really take on multiple positions.”"
Unfortunately for the #Sixers, Josh Richardson played some brilliant defense last night.
— Tom West (@TomWestNBA) April 17, 2018
He was perfect here - smothers Redick to stop the drive, beats the screen, extends to block the jumper. He showed why he's an All-Defensive player. pic.twitter.com/sdR7hf8Mub
In addition to his defensive exploits, Richardson also made great strides on the offensive end, averaging 12.9 points in 33.2 minutes per game, while posting the terrific shooting splits of .451/.378/.845.
This featured notching a career-high 30 points, which included nailing and amazing 7-of-9 from long range, during a loss to the Houston Rockets.
Still a bit understated how good of a foundational skillset Josh Richardson has. If his baseline is elite guard defense, some shotblocking, spot-up threes and pull-up twos, that's a really valuable player.
— Couper Moorhead (@CoupNBA) December 19, 2017
However it’s defensively where Richardson clearly provides his most value to the Heat. Still just 24 years of age, Richardson promises to be a piece the Heat can build around for years to come.