Miami Heat: Nothing is stopping Josh Richardson this year

Miami Heat swingman Josh Richardson isn’t letting anything get in the way of his success this season.

Josh Richardson’s name has been popping up across the league recently, but unfortunately, it isn’t because of how well he’s been performing for the Miami Heat during preseason.

Because the swingman actually has yet to see time in any of the team’s three games.

Instead, the fourth year has found himself in the middle of trade rumors, involving the Minnesota Timberwolves and Jimmy Butler.

While some fans may be willing to part ways with Richardson, the majority of Heat Nation seems to agree that moving the up-and-comer would be a huge mistake.

And according to multiple reports, it appears that management is of the same mentality.

Either way, it may not even matter anymore.

On Sunday afternoon, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that although Minnesota and Miami had engaged in trade talks this past weekend, the deal fell through at the last minute; primarily, because of what the Timberwolves were demanding in return.

So maybe soon, the Heat can go back to being in the spotlight for other reasons.

Richardson, who is finally back to practicing with the team, sure hopes so anyways.

"“I feel good,” he said, following being sidelined by a thigh contusion. “I was aggressive on offense. I was getting into my spots, scoring. I feel I was definitely a lot more explosive than I was last week. I’m doing drills after practice, dunking and stuff, making sure everything’s okay. I’m feeling a lot better.”"

And he’s ready to make 2018-19 his.

The Oklahoma-native finished last season averaging career-highs of 12.9 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.5 steals a game, in 33.2 minutes of play, having missed just one contest all year.

Great numbers all around, made better by the fact that Richardson hasn’t even gotten close to reaching his ceiling yet. And he’s prepared to do whatever it takes to make sure he gets there.

"“Pretty much every level I played at, I kind of came in with no expectations,” Richardson explained during training camp. “And I’ve kinda exceeded them.”"

This definitely holds true in South Florida, given that the No. 40 overall 2015 draft pick is now basically the future face of the franchise; with Dwyane Wade giving the organization (and league) One Last Dance, and the youth movement going strong under head coach Erik Spoelstra, Richardson is poised for a take over.

"“That’s the guy that is ready for a big year,” Spoelstra said, regarding his star pupil."

Hopefully a year in which he doesn’t get left off All-Defensive teams.

With Richardson officially off the team’s injury list, there’s a good chance he’ll see time on Monday evening, when Miami hosts the Orlando Magic at 7:30 PM ET.

Regardless of his preseason run, Richardson is more than ready to give the Miami Heat everything he’s got this year.