Hardwood Houdini
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Boston Celtics: 5 free agents to pursue from the Southwest division

By Nick Swanson

BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 11: Lonzo Ball #2 of the New Orleans Pelicans shoots over Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics during a game at TD Garden on January 11, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 11: Lonzo Ball #2 of the New Orleans Pelicans shoots over Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics during a game at TD Garden on January 11, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /
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Boston Celtics (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
Boston Celtics (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images) /

Dallas Mavericks – Josh Richardson, SG

If there was a list of players in the NBA who could be considered the models of consistency and reliability, Dallas Mavericks guard Josh Richardson would be pretty high on that list.

Richardson has never been the go-to guy, whether that be with the Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers, or Dallas Mavericks, but he’s developed into a starter that can give you 10+ a night with high defensive efficiency on an every game basis.

He is not going to go out and wow you with his scoring ability but his impact on the game goes much deeper.

He’s one of the better defensive guards in the NBA — not quite up there with Jrue Holiday or Lonzo Ball but he could form a formidable defensive duo when paired with Marcus Smart.

On the offensive end, he’s quite consistent as well from the field. Offensively, he needs to improve on his shooting beyond around 16 feet away from the basket. Last season he shot 38.3 percent from 16 ft to the 3-point line and a measly 33 percent from beyond the arc.

Richardson could easily slide into the starting lineup if the Boston Celtics decide to run Jaylen Brown at the three.

Theoretically, he could run the point if Boston doesn’t go out and sign a traditional point guard in free agency. He’s not going to be a blockbuster signing but he’ll most definitely have a place on the team, whether that be in a starting role or as a reserve, and will have a greater impact than most would expect.