Miami Heat Player Preview: Josh Richardson's continuing development

Josh Richardson had a surprisingly productive rookie season, so how will the Miami Heat utilize him in 2016-17?

May 5, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Miami Heat guard Josh Richardson (0) dribbles the ball past Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) in game two of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors won 96-92. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

The Miami Heat took a hit this offseason, as they failed to sign a “whale” and lost the face of the franchise in Dwyane Wade. However, that does not mean that fans should give up all hope.

Because when it comes down to it, there is still plenty of talent left in South Beach.

A prime example of this being Josh Richardson.

(Or JSoRich, as Heat Nation likes to refer to him as.)

The 22-year-old out of Edmond Oklahoma, was drafted by Miami in 2015. Selected at No. 40 overall after four years at Tennessee, most people did not pay him much mind. Especially considering the team was able to snag Justise Winslow in the first round, after he fell to the 10th spot. For a while there, Richardson was just another name on the roster, and player on the bench.

But not anymore.

Richardson first made a mark in Summer League play, averaging 11.8 points and 2.8 rebounds per contest in 10 games, He then started in place of a missing Wade on November 12, which only further helped put him on the map. In January however, he began to become a key part of the team’s rotation; after being sent to the Heat’s affiliate Developmental League team, the Sioux Falls Skyforce, twice, the rookie finally found his footing in Miami after the all-star break.

Unfortunately though, the budding talent recently fell victim to injury. Having sustained a partial MCL tear during a workout, he was ruled out for approximately six to eight weeks. However, the silver lining is that Richardson is expected to be ready to go by just about the start of the regular season.

So what should Heat Nation expect from the young buck once he does return? And how can the team best utilize him moving forward?

Mar 11, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Miami Heat guard Josh Richardson (0) is defended by Chicago Bulls guard Aaron Brooks (0) during the first half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

Breaking Down His Rookie Season

Richardson certainly had a strong rookie season.

Although 2015-16 may have started off slow for him, once the Heat lost Chris Bosh yet again, it was all hands on deck. And boy did Richardson put in work.

Having seen no time on the floor in October, Richardson went on to average just 9.2 minutes a game in November and December. However, this jumped to 15.7 in January, 21.7 in February, 29.1 in March and 32.1 in April.

Talk about exponential productivity.

And March was certainly his best month to date.

For instance, Richardson scored a career-high 22 points on March 11, in a 118-96 win against the Chicago Bulls. Shooting 9-of-12, his performance paved the way for Richardson to finally become an integral part of the team’s offensive unit.

Especially when it came to shooting from downtown. In that matchup, Richardson went 4-for-6 from three, exhibiting incredible shot selection, a quick release and offensive accuracy. From that night on, he became Miami’s go-to guy from behind the three-point line, and for good reason.

Richardson went on to have six more double-digit games that month, which earned him Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month. Fans and even the league itself started to take notice of the rookie, and it became clear that the Heat had a plethora of young talent on their hands.

Mar 14, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Denver Nuggets center Joffrey Lauvergne (77) fouls Miami Heat guard Josh Richardson (0) at the basket during the second half at American Airlines Arena. The Heat won 124-119. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

What He Does Well

Richardson may not exactly have the label of “specialist,” as does Kyle Korver for example. However, he was certainly headed down that path last year.

Shooting 58.9 percent from three in March, the newest member of the Miami Mafia seemed unstoppable. Game after game he was knocking them down, motivated to prove his worth, and confident in his stroke. Of course, no hot streak lasts forever, and Richardson fell to shooting 40 percent in April. But even so, it was clear what his strength was.

Like when he made 4-of-5 from beyond-the-arc, on March 14, against the Denver Nuggets.

Shooting, period, was never an issue for Richardson. Nor should it grow into one this upcoming season. His shot, especially from the three-point line, should only become better with time.

And the good news is, Richardson is also strong on the other end of the court.

With a high defensive IQ, the Heat need not worry that their shooting guard can only hold his own while shooting.

As a rookie, he seemed to have a keen sense of not just where the ball is, but also where it is being set up to go. And between that and his impressive wingspan, Richardson emerged as a defensive powerhouse.

From blocks to steals, he never ever gives up on a play. Which in truth, is half the battle. But what is even better, is how successful he is time after time.

Apr 8, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Miami Heat guard Josh Richardson (0) passes the ball around Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) during the second half at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated the Miami Heat 112-109. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

What He Doesn’t Do Well

Despite Richardson’s effective start to his professional basketball career, he still has his faults.

For one, needing to improve his role as a playmaker.

Although there has not been much of a need for him to do so yet, Miami has not really seen their young buck run plays off of the dribble. Which is something that will definitely need to change moving forward, especially after having to say goodbye to Wade.

However, the coaching staff is up for the challenge:

“Josh is gonna look different with that ball in his hands this season,” explained assistant coach Juwan Howard. “He’s gotten better at making plays, truly. He’s gotta keep working on his jump shot, too. We all know he can shoot, but Josh has been working extremely hard getting reps up and trying to make sure that 3 stays consistent.”

As is Richardson himself.

“We’re all moving as one unit. I’m just trying to work on my skills and all that will fall into place.”

And as long as he wants to get there, he will. After all, at Tennessee, Richardson heavily riled on the pick and roll. Now it is just time for him to do the same, in South Beach.

May 3, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Miami Heat guard Goran Dragic (7) is greeted by team mates Justise Winslow (20), Luol Deng (9) and Josh Richardson (0) after hitting a three point shot plus a foul call against Toronto Raptors in game one of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

Projecting Next Season

The question now is: how can the Heat best utilize him moving forward? At the very least, the good news is that Richardson is ready for whatever the team throws his way…

“You’ve got to be flexible in this league, so I haven’t thought too much into anything. I’m just ready to play whatever role I need to like I did last year.”

While Goran Dragic has secured the starting point guard spot, the position of starting shooting guard is still up in the air. And, technically, there are two other guys who could also be well suited for it: Tyler Johnson and Dion Waiters.

On the one hand, both Waiters has been in the league for longer, since 2012. So obviously, they have a leg-up in terms of experience. However, neither of them have any prior knowledge of Miami basketball. And it is no secret that both president Pat Riley and head coach Erik Spoelstra like to run things a certain way. Therefore, despite the newcomers having more years under their belts, it would be a strange move to start either of them right now.

Which brings Johnson into play. Johnson got quite a payday from the Heat this summer, having recently signed a four-year, $50 million contract. So fans should definitely expect a lot from him, moving forward. Like perhaps, a starting role?

But even if that is the case, that doesn’t mean Richardson will not have a worthy sophomore season.

For one, he can come off the bench to back Johnson up. After all, he provided great energy and production as second-string player for Miami in 2015-16. Besides being a pair of fresh legs, Richardson came in with great confidence and an unparalleled drive. And he is definitely versatile: although Richardson played most of his rookie minutes as a guard, he could very easily transition into a small forward. Standing at 6-foot-6, Richardson is defensively strong, making him a threat on both ends of the floor.

Regardless of his role with the team, the organization needs to recognize that alongside the likes of Winslow, Johnson and Hassan Whiteside, Richardson is absolutely part of the developing Heat youth movement. Therefore, he should be given any and all opportunity to become one of Miami’s key guys and his growth should be prioritized.