Philadelphia 76ers defense stands out in opener; 3 takeaways

1. Josh Richardson: Jimmy Butler Lite?

For at least one game, the question of who would be the Philadelphia 76ers’ backup point guard was answered. Josh Richardson filled the role of the player he was traded for (Jimmy Butler) on Wednesday, leading the non-Ben Simmons minutes effectively.

Richardson’s experience with a heavy workload in Miami helped quite a bit against a stingy Boston defense. He was able to create shots at all three levels, drawing a clutch foul at the end of the first half to put the Sixers ahead.

Going 4-of-12 from the field won’t inspire fans, but he drew contact (nine free throw attempts, all of which went in) and played excellent defense. His game is gritty and not aesthetically pleasing, but it’s very effective.

It’s not crazy to think Richardson can do this for extended stretches either. Raul Neto is a bit undersized and Trey Burke is not the type of player Brett Brown likes using. Having a height advantage at the 1 — even when Simmons sits — was physically taxing on a defensively sound team; imagine that disparity against even an average one.

It may not be the best idea to overexert Richardson as a primary playmaker and primary defender in the regular season, but it’s really good that he’s capable of it.