Dallas Mavericks: Josh Richardson checks in at 80 in ESPN player rank

Dallas Mavericks: Josh Richardson checks in at 80 in ESPN player rank

The Dallas Mavericks traded one of the league’s best 3-point shooters in Seth Curry for Josh Richardson this offseason. They sacrificed Curry’s tremendous offensive talent to improve their defense. Mavs fans know coach Rick Carlisle has been emphasizing that end of the floor for over a year now. Richardson gives them a plus on-ball defender with a diverse offensive skill set.

Mavericks supporters may not know what to expect from JRich, but he is an underrated player. The 6’5 wing will relish guarding the other team’s best scorer every night. He can also handle the ball and take some of the playmaking responsibility off the shoulders of Luka Doncic. Richardson is coming off a down year, but do not underestimate his talent.

ESPN ranked the top 100 players in the NBA heading into the season. They released 100 to 51 (subscription required) on Dec. 8. Richardson was the only Maverick on the list so far.

Dallas Mavericks wing Josh Richardson checks in at 80 in ESPN player rank

Richardson checked in at 80. He outranked Seth Curry, who finished 91st. The Mavericks got the better player and a draft pick from that draft night trade according to ESPN’s ranks. JRich also moved up six spots from last year’s rankings.

Expect the 27-year-old to keep climbing. He is a career 36.3 percent shooter, but that has been a bit streaky in recent years. Playing next to Luka Doncic should allow the 6’5 wing to unlock his jumper. Do not be surprised to see Richardson shoot over 38 percent from downtown this season as he has a career year in Dallas.

Fans will not want to miss the Dallas Mavericks this year. Luka Doncic has them poised to make a deep playoff run as he takes another leap. Stay tuned for an exciting season.