I still remember the first time I watched Josh Richardson play during his rookie season with the Miami Heat back in 2015. Honestly, I wasn't immediately convinced he'd become the impactful player he is today—but that's exactly what makes his journey so fascinating to me. When I think about Richardson's career trajectory, it reminds me of that memorable first fight between Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez in 2004 for the International Boxing Federation featherweight crown. Much like that legendary boxing match where both fighters had to prove themselves on the biggest stage, Richardson's NBA journey has been about proving his worth through multiple teams and evolving roles.
Richardson entered the league as the 40th overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, which honestly surprised me given what we know now. The Heat initially saw him as a defensive specialist, but what impressed me most was how quickly he expanded his game. Within his first two seasons, he increased his scoring average from 6.6 to 10.2 points per game while maintaining that defensive intensity that made him valuable. I've always believed that the best players are those who recognize their weaknesses and work relentlessly to address them, and Richardson perfectly embodies this approach. His three-point shooting improved dramatically from 32% to nearly 38% between his rookie and third seasons, showing his commitment to becoming a more complete offensive threat.
When Richardson was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers in 2019 as part of the Jimmy Butler sign-and-trade, I'll admit I was skeptical about how he'd fit alongside stars like Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons. But watching him adapt his game to complement those players was truly educational for me as someone who studies player development. He averaged 13.7 points that season while often guarding the opponent's best perimeter player—a role that doesn't always show up in traditional stats but is absolutely crucial to winning basketball. The comparison to elite fighters like Pacquiao and Marquez comes to mind again here—just as those boxers had to adjust their strategies round by round, Richardson has continuously refined his approach based on his team's needs and his own growing understanding of the game.
His subsequent moves to Dallas, Boston, San Antonio, and now New Orleans have given me a unique perspective on how versatile players like Richardson maintain their value in today's NBA. What stands out to me is his basketball IQ—he understands spacing, defensive rotations, and when to be aggressive versus when to facilitate for others. Last season with the Spurs, he averaged 11.4 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.9 assists while shooting 38% from three-point range—solid numbers that don't fully capture his impact on both ends of the floor. I've noticed that teams with Richardson consistently perform better defensively, with opponents' scoring typically dropping by 3-5 points per 100 possessions when he's on the court compared to when he's off.
What I find most impressive about Richardson's evolution is his mental toughness. The NBA lifestyle involves constant travel, media scrutiny, and roster changes that can wear down even talented players. Yet Richardson has maintained his professionalism and continued to improve aspects of his game year after year. His mid-range shooting has become particularly reliable—he's shooting approximately 44% from that area over the past three seasons, which might not sound spectacular but is actually quite efficient given the difficulty of those attempts. This reminds me again of how elite fighters like Marquez developed specific weapons over time that complemented their existing skillsets.
As Richardson enters what many would consider the prime years of his career with the Pelicans, I'm genuinely excited to see how his game continues to evolve. At 29 years old, he brings veteran leadership to a young, athletic team while still possessing the physical tools to compete defensively with the league's best guards and wings. His ability to play multiple positions—something he's worked on deliberately throughout his career—makes him incredibly valuable in today's positionless basketball environment. I wouldn't be surprised to see him take on more playmaking responsibilities in New Orleans, building on the 3.2 assists per game he averaged last season.
Looking back at Richardson's journey from second-round pick to established NBA veteran, what stands out to me is the importance of continuous development and adaptability. The NBA landscape changes rapidly—rules evolve, playing styles shift, and roster construction philosophies transform—but players like Richardson who focus on fundamental skills while expanding their versatility tend to thrive regardless of these changes. His career reminds me that success isn't always about being the most talented player on the court, but about maximizing your unique strengths while addressing your weaknesses. As we head into the new NBA season, I'm keeping a close eye on Richardson's impact in New Orleans—if history is any indicator, he'll likely find ways to contribute that go far beyond the traditional box score.