JUST IN:Josh Richardson shares his assessment on his first season with the Heat

Josh Richardson was not surprised that he was playing little as a rookie because the Miami Heat had selected him with the 40th pick in the 2015 NBA Draft. However, he was given the opportunity to start in just his third NBA game because of real-life circumstances.

Richardson said, “I started my third game because D-Wade’s son swallowed a marble.” “I was completely unaware that I would be wearing a jersey until the half-hour prior to kickoff. I’m sitting there, not hooping, so I just did this insane warm-up. Erik Spoelstra is saying to J-Rich, “You’re getting started.” I say, “All right, bet.” I enter, hit eight rapid ones, hit another three from the corner, drove the lane, and then I went straight ahead and was eliminated. However, the game got off to a good start. and following that. I didn’t start playing until maybe about game 42 or 43.

Richardson earned himself a rotational role on the Heat despite his rookie year’s predictably sporadic playing time, which only grew in significance in his sophomore campaign. In his fourth season, Richardson averaged career-high numbers in minutes (34.8), points (16.6), rebounds (3.6), and assists (4.1). By his third year, he was starting every game for the Heat.

As part of the Jimmy Butler transaction, the Heat sent Richardson to the Philadelphia 76ers during the 2019 offseason. Richardson ultimately chose to return to Miami by signing with the Heat last offseason after being traded to the Dallas Mavericks in November 2020. He then went on to play for the Boston Celtics, San Antonio Spurs, and New Orleans Pelicans. Richardson averaged 25.6 minutes, 9.9 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in his first season back with the Heat.