According to one NBA scout, Josh Richardson “might be a little selfish,” but playing for the Miami Heat this season should help him overcome that reputation, as he will be expected to contribute meaningfully to a club with championship aspirations.
Richardson, like many of the Heat’s supporting players, may be expected to play a larger role now that the Heat have failed to sign Damian Lillard or make any other significant acquisitions this offseason.
The 30-year-old is returning to the Heat after spending his first four NBA seasons with them, beginning with his debut in the 2015-16 season. After a chat with head coach Erik Spoelstra, he reportedly turned down more money from another team and returned to the Heat this offseason.
Last season, the University of Tennessee product spent time with the San Antonio Spurs before finishing with the New Orleans Pelicans. Those were his fourth and fifth NBA teams in four seasons since departing the Heat, a probable indicator of any locker room issues he may have had.
Not only did the Heat miss out on Lillard this summer (he was dealt from the Portland Trail Blazers to the Milwaukee Bucks in late September), but they also missed out on Jrue Holiday, who joined the Boston Celtics.
This is on top of losing key contributors from their journey to the 2023 NBA Finals. Gabe Vincent signed as a free agent with the Los Angeles Lakers, and Max Strus was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers in a sign-and-trade.
The Heat meet the Houston Rockets in their final preseason game on Friday, as their players attempt to cement their roles ahead of the 2023-24 NBA regular season start against the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday, Oct. 25 at home.
