It was certainly a case of the second year blues for Miami Heat swingman Josh Richardson.
From the outset, Josh Richardson’s second NBA season didn’t go according to plan.
The tone was set in the preseason, when Richardson suffered a partial MCL tear of his right knee. This resulted in Richardson missing the Miami Heat‘s training camp, all the Heat’s preseason games, and the first four games of the regular season.
Naturally, this was going to have some impact on Richardson’s play, and it showed throughout the course of the season. When Richardson returned from his knee injury, he played in 38 games, averaging 11.2 points in 31.3 minutes per game, which included shooting 31.0 percent from three-point range. He excelled in the final seven games of that stretch, posting 14.4 points, 4.3 assists and 1.7 steals per game.
Unfortunately, Richardson then experienced another setback, this time succumbing to a sprained left foot. He subsequently missed the Heat’s next 19 games. Upon return from his second injury of the season, Richardson struggled mightily. In his 10 games back, Richardson failed to reach double figures, averaging just 4.9 points in 22.5 minutes per game, including an atrocious 11.1 percent shooting clip from behind three.
However as was the story of his season, Richardson then turned things around. Over the last 13 games of the season, Richardson enjoyed by far his best shooting stretch of the season. He shot 43.2 percent from the field and an excellent 41.9 percent from three on 4.8 attempts per game. This included averaging 12.5 points, 3.5 assists and 1.8 steals in 35.9 minutes per game. Notably, this stretch included starting each game in the absence of shooting guard Dion Waiters.
Best performance: December 27 vs. Boston Celtics, 19 points, 8 assists, 6 rebounds, 4 steals, 2 blocks
While it wasn’t his highest scoring game of the season, Richardson certainly filled up the box score for his best all-round performance of the season. Starting in place of the injured Waiters, Richardson played a team-high 35 minutes in what turned out to be high scoring 117-114 loss to the Celtics.
As can be seen on the highlights, Richardson offered up a tremendous mix on the offensive end. His midrange jumper was particularly prevalent, as evidenced by converting on 6-of-10 shooting for contested field-goal attempts.
But it was Richardson’s play making ability that also stood out, highlighted by his game-high eight assists. Due to his first quick step and six-foot-five frame, Richardson is very adept when entering the lane. He was able to set up teammates under the rim, while also setting up three-point shooters with passes from either his left or right hand.
Furthermore, Richardson’s effort on the defensive end was first class. Having averaged 2.4 deflections per game over the season, Richardson had seven in this contest. Also, Richardson registered three loose balls recovered, considerably up from his season average of 0.9 per game.
However due to a 52-point outburst from all-star Isaiah Thomas, the Heat were unable to get over the line.
Interesting stat: 31.9
This number represents the percentage Richardson shot for the season on catch and shoot opportunities. Considering this made up 45.3 percent of Richardson’s total shot attempts, it is clearly cause for concern. Although Richardson can be labelled a combo guard, he is predominately playing off the ball. And comparing him other players on the Heat roster is an interesting exercise.
Dion Waiters shot 44.1 percent from the field and 43.4 percent from behind three on catch and shoot opportunities. The Heat’s highest volume catch and shoot performer, Wayne Ellington, hit at 40.0 percent from the field and 38.3 percent from three on 5.6 attempts per game. Another combo guard, Tyler Johnson, managed 38.8 percent from the field and 38.9 percent from three on 4.1 attempts per game.
If Richardson is to take his game to the next level, this is certainly one area he can refine. Granted, it’s terrific that Richardson has demonstrated that he is capable of shooting off the dribble, as evidenced by converting at a 46.8 percent clip from shots taken with between 1-6 dribbles. But when he doesn’t have this to utilise through the course of a game, his catch and shoot percentages must improve.
What we learned
Inconsistency is something that stood out for Richardson in his second season with the Heat. In his defense, Richardson had to recover from two separate injuries over the course of the season, hence limiting his ability to build confidence and momentum as the season progressed.
But the numbers don’t lie.
Richardson’s best four-game stretch of the season came from Dec. 27 – Jan.1. During this period, Richardson 18.8 points, 5.3 assists, 4.0 rebounds and 2.0 steals in 35.7 minutes per game. Most impressively, he converted at 50.0 percent from the field and 42.9 percent from downtown.
However, this was preceded by a five-game stretch where Richardson posted just 8.0 points and 2.8 assists in 35.5 minutes per game, which featured an abysmal 25.5 percent shooting clip from the field and 15.4 percent from behind three.
The difference between Richardson’s best and worst on the offensive was plain to see, and far too frequent.
What is next?
Richardson’s outlook for next season and beyond could be decided during the initial days of July’s free agency period. Starting shooting guard Dion Waiters is out of contract, and is his future in Miami could be decided by how much the Heat are willing to spend. Further, the Heat need to decide whether to take up the $6 million option on the contract of guard Wayne Ellington.
Further, the return from injury of Justice Winslow, and the emergence this season of rookie Rodney McGruder, are other factors that could affect Richardson’s progression moving forward.
One of Richardson’s greatest strength is his versatility. Primarily switching between 2 and 3 spots, he also has shown the ability to handle the point guard duties from time to time when called upon. And if the Heat continues to field a roster not featuring a true backup point guard, this aspect of Richardson’s game could be further relied upon.
Although Richardson himself was unlucky with injury this season, he was also able to capitalize on the likes of Waiters and Ellington missing large stretches of the season. But having shot 39.4 percent from the field this season, his shooting consistency is going to need to improve drastically, regardless of the level on the defensive end.
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Put simply, if Richardson can round out his jump shot, and touch wood stay healthy, he can certainly have a long and fruitful career with the Heat.