Josh Richardson is exactly what Miami Heat Culture is all about.
Josh Richardson was a steal.
Selected No. 40 overall by the Miami Heat in 2015, the swingman came into the league with an impressive body of work. Having seen time in 136 contests over four years at Tennessee, the former Volunteer had a tremendous collegiate career, averaging 9.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.0 steal a matchup in 28.2 minutes. He finished ranking third in school history in games played, ninth in minutes and ninth in starts, ultimately showcasing his dedication to the team.
As a senior, he averaged 16.0 points and 4.5 rebounds per contest, resulting in being named to the First Team All SEC, the SEC All-Defensive Team and the Defensive All-American Team.
All of which led to president Pat Riley drafting him that fine summer night.
And my, how far he’s come ever since.
Having averaged 6.6 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.6 assists a game as a rookie, Richardson finished his 2017-18 campaign averaging 12.9 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.9 rebounds and 1.5 steals per contest. He scored a season-high 30 points against the Houston Rockets on February 7, and totaled 28 points versus the Los Angeles Clippers on December 16.
Offensively, he improved his versatility, landing layups, mid-range jumpers and 3-point shots with the same ease. And defensively, he became more aggressive, fighting everyone for rebounds and locking down whoever got in his way.
But perhaps the best part of No. 0 is his attitude.
Continuously hard-working, always open to feedback and never giving up, Richardson has transformed into the epitome of Miami Heat Culture.
He’s had horrific shooting nights, like when he finished with just four points on 2-for-10 shooting in 32 minutes against the Oklahoma City Thunder on March 23. He’s been doubted, having been sent to the Heat’s G-League affiliate, the Sioux Falls Skyforce. And he’s been overlooked in league accolades, not making either of this past season’s All-Defensive Teams.
Still, the 24-year-old just keeps on, keeping on.
His positivity doesn’t just apply to himself either, as Richardson constantly spreads the love across the entirety of the organization. He uplifts teammates, shows gratitude to the front office, and best of all, genuinely believes in the capability of the ball club.
Since day one and now, moving forward.
Recently, Richardson spoke on Miami’s future in the Eastern Conference, now that LeBron James has moved West.
"“I think it’s open. The last decade basically it’s been LeBron out of the East every year. I feel like everybody feels they kind of have a clean slate to go ahead and attack this year with more of an open chance… With No. 23 out of there it’s a little tough but I think we’re contenders.”"
At the very least, he’s going to do everything in his power to make sure they are.
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Richardson is undeniably one of the Miami Heat’s greatest on-court assets, but his mindset is also invaluable to the organization.