Dallas Mavericks: 3 predictions for Josh Richardson in the 2020-2021 season

Prediction for Dallas Mavericks wing Josh Richardson: 2. Makes All-Defensive team

Only ten players in the league make the All-Defensive team each year, and Richardson received zero votes last season. The Sixers did not use him as an on-ball stopper, though. JRich earned votes for the All-Defensive teams in 2018 and 2019 while playing for the Heat. He had three first-team votes in 2018 and finished seventh among guards ahead of Marcus Smart. The Celtics guard made the first-team in 2019 and 2020.

The Mavericks are going to be a significantly better defensive team this year. Dorian Finney-Smith can move down to the number two option with Tim Hardaway Jr. guarding off the ball more. Both players are better suited for those roles. Dallas is going to jump into the top ten in defensive rating as they climb up the standings.

Richardson being the biggest upgrade will earn him significant praise for the team’s accomplishments. The 27-year-old also gets his steals back to 1.5 per game and blocks nearly one shot a night. JRich’s toughness and defensive-minded attitude will rub off on the Dallas Mavericks as everyone improves, which leads voters to select Richardson to All-Defensive second-team in 2021.

It is not just the shooting and defense that improve from Josh Richardson this season, though.

Next: No. 1