Philadelphia 76ers: Josh Richardson tasked with filling Jimmy Butler’s void

By Christopher Kline | Jul 14, 2019

(Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Josh Richardson’s two-way skill set will be invaluable to the Philadelphia 76ers next season.

Last season, Jimmy Butler was a revelation for the Philadelphia 76ers. His skill set mended a gaping hole in Brett Brown’s offensive repertoire — adding a dynamic halfcourt creator on the perimeter and a bona fide closer.

Butler’s ability to get dribble penetration, pressure the defense at all three levels and get buckets in late-game scenarios lifted the Sixers to a different competitive level. Without his presence, the Sixers don’t push Toronto to seven games. Butler, though his regular season was far from perfect, was exceedingly important to Philadelphia’s success.

Now he’s gone, swapping out Sixers blue for Heat red. He made a decision based on family, friends, his future and where he wants to play — nothing to fault him for. The Heat will compete for a playoff spot next season and Butler fits the Heat culture. The Sixers must forge a path forward in his absence.

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Butler’s departure opened the door for sweeping changes this summer. J.J. Redick left alongside Butler in free agency, while Al Horford and Josh Richardson have now joined the starting five. Richardson was Philadelphia’s consolation prize, coming over from Miami in the sign-and-trade that sealed Butler’s exit.

He’s one heck of a consolation prize, averaging 16.6 points and 4.1 assists at 25 years old. He’s younger than Butler, a more willing shooter, and an equal — if not better — defender at this point in their respective careers. He’s not Butler, but the drop-off is less severe than some might think.

Richardson will occupy an important niche on both ends — one similar to Butler last season. He’s the Sixers’ best point-of-attack defender, using his 6-foot-10 wingspan to restrict passing lanes and blur vision. He’s long, mobile and athletic — all combined with plus instincts and effort.

The Sixers lacked another sturdy isolation defender next to Ben Simmons before Butler’s arrival. And, while Butler performed below his reputation for most of last season, the benefits were clear come postseason — even if it was muddled by the loss of another elite defender in Robert Covington.

Richardson projects as a more consistent regular season defender than Butler, at the very least. He’s also younger and on an upward trajectory, while a smaller role might unlock even better defense next season. Richardson saw minor slippage in a few key areas last season due to an increase in workload on offense.

With the Sixers, Richardson will have similar duties to what he had in Miami on a smaller scale. He’s not the same iso threat that Butler poses, but he’s a skilled in-between scorer with soft touch on floaters and a silky mid-range game. He also attempted 6.3 triples per contest last season — 3.6 more than Butler, who shot at a lower percentage as well.

That was perhaps the biggest knock on Butler last season. Even at certain moments in the postseason, he was hesitant behind the 3-point line. The reason was a bit unclear — it wasn’t an inability to shoot them — but he had a clear preference for mid-range buckets and extra passes.

Richardson gives the Sixers someone who willingly spots up at a high volume, which alone is enough to make the fit next to Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid cleaner. There’s value in talent over fit, but when it comes to second options, Richardson checks a ton of boxes.

Last season was a career-high in usage and offensive responsibility for Richardson. His assist mark was a career-high, showing promise as a complementary playmaker in a Miami rotation flush with capable ball handlers.

The Sixers still need that threat in the halfcourt — someone who can break down defenders, get into the defense’s belly and find open teammates. Richardson will help to fill that void alongside Tobias Harris, who’s workload will increase in Butler’s absence.

Richardson will operate as one of the Sixers’ few, very important lifelines in the halfcourt offense. He will also operate as the main defender on opposing point guards — a burden Simmons, despite his tremendous versatility, should not shoulder in the regular season.

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In the simplest terms, Richardson will directly replace a lot of what Butler provided. He’s not the same talent, but his skill set is one of equal value and importance to a uniquely built Sixers team.