Miami Heat Roundtable: Maybe some changes should be made

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MIAMI, FL – DECEMBER 04: Josh Richardson #0 of the Miami Heat reacts against the Orlando Magic during the first half at American Airlines Arena on December 4, 2018 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

And is Josh Richardson losing a bit of traction, after his very hot start to 2018-19 play?

Tachauer: Josh Richardson has certainly hit a bit of a slump lately, yes, but I’m not worried. This happens to a great deal of players, and never lasts for long. He’s still been fully motivated towards helping the team find success offensively, even if the shots aren’t falling as well currently, and has of course continued to play high-level defense too. The Richardson we saw at the beginning of 2018-19 will be back soon.

Nurse: Richardson has slowed up a bit, yes. However, it could be due to the toll of being undersized. Every game sees him go out and compete on both sides of the ball, but he is not a true small forward, and that is where he plays most of his time. And unfortunately, that misplacement in the lineup is not going to change anytime soon, either, especially if Dion Waiters ever gets back on the court.

Eyrich: You could say he’s losing a bit of traction, but I think a better way to describe it is that he’s in a slump. He has star potential, but he’s not there yet. And it’s natural for player to hit slumps, especially with how fresh he is in the league still. So I don’t think anyone should worry; it’s only a matter of time before he’s out of it.

Rahming: Watching Richardson grow this season is kind of an enigma. And if you watch closely, you can tell he’s inconsistent, even though he may hit some big shots in a game or go on a personal scoring run. In his last eight games, Richardson has gone for a combined 29-of-119 from the field. I’m sorry, but if a team has a weak bench and your star player shoots 24 percent over a two and a half week span, they deserve to lose games. The Heat should be thanking their lucky stars they’ve been able to grab the few wins they did, within that amount of time. I don’t think that Richardson has fallen off though. His ability to go through big time slumps has been showing itself in small patches all throughout the season. Before the eight-game sample I spoke of earlier, Richardson has made single-digit field goals 13 times. Only one of those games saw him shoot less than 10 times. Maybe he was never hot at all; just lukewarm or even chilly from the field.

Next. Miami Heat 1-on-1: All eyes are on Dwyane Wade this year. dark

On and on we go.

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