Philadelphia 76ers: A 2019 Christmas present for every player

Josh Richardson — His groove

This has been a season of adjustments for Josh Richardson. The top option in Miami last season, Richardson is the fourth or fifth option in Philadelphia’s offense this season. He has spent more time as a floor-spacer and less time creating in the pick-and-roll. He’s tethered to Embiid most nights — a post-centric big who tends to dominate possessions.

Despite his new role, Richardson has found relative success. He’s averaging 14.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.2 assists on .435/.347/.774 shooting splits. Not great, and certainly not peak efficiency, but not terrible. Richardson does connect a lot of dots for the Sixers.

On the heels of a six-game absence, however, Richardson’s recent play has lacked rhythm. He’s in a funk. Instead of picking and choosing his spots, Richardson has faded in and out of games at random. His percentages are down, his scoring is down, and even his defense has taken a hit.

The Sixers need Richardson to balance Simmons and Embiid in the halfcourt. Beyond hitting threes, he needs to give Philadelphia a dose of dribble penetration and self-creation when the game slows down. He needs to playmake, both for himself and for others.