Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra has being band due to…

Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra has being band due to…

Miami Heat guard Josh Richardson had a season-high 24 points, including six 3-pointers

The Miami Heat were without arguably their best 3-point shooter Wednesday against the Sacramento Kings.

So veteran Josh Richardson, not necessarily known for his perimeter game, stepped in. He scored a season-high 24 points, including six threes, to help the Heat snap a seven-game losing streak.

Erik Spoelstra, Miami Heat agree on largest contract ever for NBA coach, AP  source says

“You never really know,” Richardson said. “In the warmups, my shots felt good. Once I got going in the game, I just let it fly.”

Three-point specialist Duncan Robinson was ruled out before the game because of the concussion protocol. That left an opening for Richardson, who had recently fell out of the rotation.

“It’s never easy, it’s hard,” Richardson said of the decreased playing time. “We’ve got a lot of guys that can play and contribute. I really had to go home and think, like figure it out. What do I have to do better to get minutes and how can I help the team win games? Just changed my mindset.”

Richardson moved up to ninth on the franchise’s list for career 3-pointers with 478, surpassing Voshon Leonard. The plan now is build off the performance so he can remain in the rotation.

“You’ve got to be a professional about it,” Richardson said. “Some guys will pout or not handle it the right way. I flew my trainer in from California and I’ve been in the gym with him just trying to keep my mind right.”

Shandel Richardson covers the Miami Heat for Inside The Heat, a Fan Nation channel for Sports Illustrated. He has covered the NBA since 2010.

“First Things First” host Nick Wright recently floated the idea of a hypothetical trade involving LeBron James, suggesting a potential move that would send the Los Angeles Lakers star to the Miami Heat in exchange for Tyler Herro and Duncan Robinson.

Herro has been a standout performer for the Heat during the current regular season, leading the team in scoring with an average of 21.5 points per game. Additionally, he’s been contributing significantly in rebounds and assists, showcasing his versatility on the court.

Lakers receive – Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson

Heat receive – LeBron James

“Every single one of those teams would be better positioned than the Lakers would to win a title”

(Via @FTFonFS1) pic.twitter.com/HsB7gd9byP

Emo Jimmy (@WheelerJaylen) January 31, 2024

Meanwhile, Robinson has established himself as one of the league’s premier 3-point shooters, boasting an impressive 40.4 percent shooting from beyond the arc while averaging 13.2 points per game. His ability to consistently knock down threes at a high volume adds value to any team.

However, both Herro and Robinson had less than stellar performances in the Heat’s recent game against the Phoenix Suns, which marked the team’s seventh consecutive loss, currently the longest streak in the NBA. Despite this slump, they remain integral parts of Miami’s roster.

LeBron James for Jordan Poole, Jonathan Kuminga, and Moses Moody.

Considering LeBron James’ stature as one of the top players in the league, even at 39 years old, the proposed trade could make sense for Miami on paper. James brings a wealth of experience, leadership, and elite-level play that could elevate the Heat’s competitiveness.

While Wright’s trade scenario is purely speculative, it highlights the potential for roster moves as teams look to optimize their lineups and address areas of need in pursuit of success.

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