Boston Celtics SG/SF Josh Richardson
Josh Richardson had borderline star potential when he burst onto the scene for the upstart Miami Heat of 2016-19. In the years since his departure from South Beach, which was directly tied to Jimmy Butler’s arrival in Miami, Richardson has seen his number fall of precipitously.
This year, he has reached a low he hasn’t occupied since his second season in the league, and the reason why is simple: he isn’t starting.
With the Heat, Philadelphia 76ers, and Dallas Mavericks, Richardson had starter minutes and produced starter numbers. In Boston, he is shooting the ball well, but his attempts are simply way down.
Richardson deserves more at this point in his career. He could absolutely be a starter somewhere, but the Celtics don’t seem capable of giving him that role. Marcus Smart, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, and even Romeo Langford seem more likely to get big minutes on a nightly basis.
If the Cs are to make any sort of win-now move, Richardson’s salary could be a part of it. He’s on a value deal this year and next, and could be a nice veteran hand for a young team looking to stay in the postseason picture like the Sacramento Kings, San Antonio Spurs, or Minnesota Timberwolves.