Miami Heat: Josh Richardson becoming a legitimate 2-way destroyer

While the Miami Heat may have dropped back-to-back games at home, Josh Richardson continued to enhance his reputation around the league.

At 5-7, the Miami Heat have undoubtedly been a disappointment in the early going this season. Furthermore, they have now officially missed out in the Jimmy Butler sweepstakes, with the All-Star having been traded to the Philadelphia 76ers.

However, one genuine reason for optimism in both the short- and long-term is the continued rise of swingman Josh Richardson. Now in his third year, the Heat were somewhat banking on Richardson’s production to take a leap this season. Nonetheless, not even Richardson’s greatest admirers could have foreseen just how dramatic his ascension would be over the opening 12 games.

Prior to the start of the season, head coach Erik Spoelstra clearly had an inkling that Richardson’s rise was somewhat in the cards:

"“Everyone wants him to take that next step, and that’s incredibly empowering for a young player. You see the biggest jumps for most players in this league coming into their third year or fourth year….I see no reason why he can’t get to another level.”"

Thus far, the 25-year-old is averaging 20.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.2 steals in 34.8 minutes per game. Additionally, he has been sizzling from downtown, converting at a 41.5 percent clip on 6.8 attempts per game. There are numerous factors pointing to why the former Tennessee product has become of the elite two-way players in the league.

Most notable has been the increased level of responsibility being afforded to Richardson. With this in mind, here’s a comparison from last season in regards to his offensive activity:

• Touches per game: 74.8 (57.2 last season)
• Drives per game: 11.5 (6.6)
• Free-throw attempts per game: 3.8 (1.8)

Considering his name had been strongly mentioned as a trade piece during the Heat’s pursuit of Butler, Richardson should be given even further credence for his hot start to the season, considering the distractions that accompany such speculation.

However, it’s his prowess on the defensive end of the floor that has been Richardson’s calling card since entering the league. At 6’6″ and possessing a 6’10” wingspan, his combination of elite athleticism and outstanding instincts simply makes him a menace of opposing teams.

This has never been more evident than in the early going this season, whereby through 12 games the Heat have been 11.6 points per 100 possessions better off defensively when Richardson is on the floor. In simple terms, the Heat have had the equivalent of the best defensive rating in the league when he is on the court, and the 27th-best rating when he’s resting.

Following another recent excellent performance, coach Spoelstra noted the strides Richardson has made:

"“This has been a natural progression for him. It’s been another great summer of development. He really worked on his body, but also his skill development, to be able to do more things. We want him to continue to be aggressive and assertive. It’s very important for our team, the success of the team offensively. Guys need to play to their strengths, and J-Rich has a lot of ability for us to try to maximize it.”"

While the absence of key players such as Dion Waiters and James Johnson has given him more responsibility, Richardson’s move to his natural shooting guard slot on a nearly permanent basis has been a major catalyst for his start.

So with the Heat desperate to chalk up a win in their upcoming home game against the 76ers, look for Richardson to bring more of the same at both ends of the floor.