Miami Heat shooting study: Josh Richardson
By Wes Goldberg
Josh Richardson is coming off an injury-plagued season, but when he’s healthy he’s one the Miami Heat’s best scorers.
This series will take a look at each Miami Heat player’s shooting abilities and preferences, and where they can improve.
Josh Richardson wasn’t sidelined for the entire season like Justise Winslow, but his season was just as effected by injuries. He missed the first four games of the season, and 19 in a row between January and February with various injuries. He never quite found his rhythm until he started the last 13 games, when he re-found the shooting stroke that made him a standout as a rookie.
Richardson’s rookie year was punctuated by being one of the league’s best 3-point shooters through the second half of the season. He was supposed to be one of Miami’s best floor spacers as a sophomore, but injuries set him back. After making 46.1 percent of his 3-point attempts as a rookie, Richardson made 33 percent in his second season.
His shot charts between his first and second seasons are almost of two different players.
Josh Richardson's shot chart in his first season vs his second season. pic.twitter.com/tmEdgdiuqa
— All U Can Heat (@AllUCanHeat1) September 1, 2017
The question for the Heat is which Richardson they will get in his third season. I tend to lean toward the one who can make 3s at an elite clip. Once Richardson got his legs under him in his first and second seasons, his shot started falling. If he can avoid the stumbles the plagued him last season, Richardson should be one of the Heat’s best shooters.
Because of his length and quick release, Richardson doesn’t need much room to launch.
Richardson also struggled to finish at the rim last season, but that may be attributed to his injuries. Healthy, Richardson should get more lift and be able to finish at a more efficient rate. He has the skills to attack close outs and the explosiveness to play at the rim.
Next: Reviewing Josh Richardson's up-and-down season
What the Heat need most out of Richardson, however, is for him to be one of their best 3-point shooters. If he can, he could be a perfect fit next to Goran Dragic and Dion Waiters.