MIAMI — Josh Richardson's rise from seldom-used rookie to high-impact rotation regular started where all of the recent Miami Heat rags-to-riches stories have: on their practice floor.
It was an off day in December, and Richardson was finishing up his workout with 100 three-point attempts. He made 64 of those shots and started gathering his things to go. Then, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra walked in.
"J-Rich, how many did you make?" the skipper asked.
"Uh, 64," Richardson said.
"No, no. We're shooting again," Spoelstra said. "You've got to make 70."
After another 100 shots, Richardson had 65 makes. The next time it was 69.
"Are we going to get this, or are you going to make me waste my whole day in here?" Spoelstra asked.
"Jesus, you're right," Richardson said. "I gotta get it together."
Now shirtless, frustrated and sweaty from the shooting and sprints he ran in between, the rookie could feel his fingers wrapping around his ticket out of the gym. He was 69-of-99, one shot away from getting on with his day or starting all over. He aimed and fired.< ...
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Article written by Zach Buckley
Miami Heat Find Yet Another Hidden Gem with Josh Richardson
March 23rd, 2016 by Zach Buckley Leave a reply »
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