How to maximize the Philadelphia 76ers’ new additions on offense

Josh Richardson: Dribble handoffs

Getting Josh Richardson comfortable in an offense with four All-Star caliber players could be one of the biggest x-factors for the Sixers’ season. Richardson’s spot-up shooting will be a major focus of his fit with the starting five, but finding his groove in the DHO aspect of Brett Brown’s scheme should be the paramount focus for the coaching staff.

Losing J.J. Redick is a definite loss for the offense, but being able to maintain the effectiveness of the DHO is crucial. J-Rich won’t be rolling around handoffs launching leaning threes like Redick, but he offers much more as a ball handler.

Richardson adds a driving element to the DHO that Redick could not provide. He’s much bigger than Redick and is a better scorer near the rim. Richardson has also shown some chops as a passer out of the pick-and-roll/DHO setting. In the current starting five, he’s the only one who can utilize all aspects of a DHO. He can step back and hit jumpers, use the momentum and finish at the rim, and hit the roll man for an easy bucket.

It’s not a mystery what the Sixers’ starting five will try to do on offense. They’re huge, smart, and will turn into a mismatch nightmare. If you love bully-ball, the Sixers are going to be your team. Ben Simmons, Tobias Harris, Al Horford and Joel Embiid are all going to be workhorses near the basket. Josh Richardson being a multi-faceted scorer will give the super-sized Sixers even more chances to impose their will down low.

Look for J-Rich to get multiple play calls and different looks during the preseason to see which lineups and plays benefit him the most. I’d expect him to get plenty of reps with Joel Embiid and lineup at both wing spots, and maybe even point guard. Josh Richardson has established himself as one of the top two-way players in the game, and the Sixers need to facilitate the former Vols’ upward trend.