Dallas Mavericks: Is Josh Richardson the wingman Dallas needs?
Dallas Mavericks took full advantage of Draft night and drafted a ton of youthful shooters who can contribute on the offensive side of the ball, but one of the top acquisitions was Josh Richardson.
Going into the off-season, one of the top priorities for the Dallas Mavericks was finding a wingman who can score in a variety of ways and someone who can contribute on the defensive of the ball.
The team may have found their player as Dallas traded guard Seth Curry to the Philadelphia Sixers for small-forward Josh Richardson.
While there is disappointment that the team traded fan-favorite Curry, many are still wondering who Richardson is…
Josh Richardson the Offensive Player
Yes Josh Richardson is not a sharp-shooting Curry, but there are still many reasons for Mavs fans to get excited.
This past postseason, the small-forward transitioned into the third leading scorer for the 76ers behind stars Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid. In the 2020 playoffs, Richardson averaged 16.8 points per game. In game 2 against the Boston Celtics, the newest Mavs had his best game of the series. He scored 18 points and shot 6 for 12 from the field. Not to mention, he went 2 for 3 from behind the arc. His contribution in the series allowed the Sixers to stay some what competitive.
Before the playoffs started, Richardson was pretty successful during the bubble season. On August 9th against the Portland Trail Blazers, the small-forward had himself a game. In a heavily contested contest, he scored 34 points shooting 13 for 20 from the field. 12 of his points came from the three-point line as he shot 6 for 10 from the arc. He also added six assists to the game log.
For the season he averaged 13.7 points per game. His best game came in the bubble and if Richardson can keep up the momentum, then the trade would be a steal for the Dallas Mavericks.
Oh and if you are wondering, his career high for points per game is 37.
Josh Richardson the defensive player
Another key component of Richardson’s game is his defensive side of the ball. Just type in “Josh Richardson defensive highlights” and one will be amazed.
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At 6-foot-5 Richardson can guard a variety of players, from point guards, shooting guards and small forwards. One of the things that stand about him is his 6’10 wingspan. His wingspan and quick feet allow him to transition and guard a variety of players from all positions.
Against the three, opponents shot just under 36% when being guarded by Richardson. Overall opponents shot just under 45% when being guarded by Richardson. A key part of his defensive presence is his ability to move fast and use his long arms to contest shots.
Some of Richardson’s top defensive games came under top All-Stars. His ability to guard multiple positions and move up and down the floor will be a huge asset for a team clearly lacking any sort of defensive presence.
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One can argue that Richardson’s shooting does not compare to Curry’s efficiency from behind the arc, but assuming other players step up this season, then the trade for the small-forward will be a huge asset for Dallas.