Should the Miami Heat Develop Nick Richards Into a Stretch Five?

MIAMI, Fla. – After signing free agent center Nick Richards, the Miami Heat could help unlock a new aspect of the 28-year-old’s game.

Last season, the six-year league veteran split stints between the Phoenix Suns and Chicago Bulls. After being traded to the “Windy City,” Richards was given a little more offensive freedom. He attempted 18 three-pointers and made five, both career highs for a single season.

Although Richards plays more like a traditional center, floor spacing is critical around 10-time All-Star Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Heat have high-quality three-point shooters in Klay Thompson and Tim Hardaway Jr., among others. However, Richards would further unlock the team’s offense.

Opposing defenses will be drawn to Antetokounmpo and three-time All-Star Bam Adebayo in the paint. As they break down defenses in the middle, kick-out opportunities for open shots will present themselves. Richards won’t be the most dependent on making threes, but being reliable and respected forced him to become an X-factor on the bench unit.

Erik Spoelstra knows how to develop a stretch five. In the 2012-13 season, he played 11-time All-Star and Hall of Famer Chris Bosh, who came into the league as a power forward, at center. Despite being undersized, he provided floor spacing. In four seasons of the “Big 3,” Bosh shot 31.5 percent from behind the arc.

It’s worth noting that three-point shooting was as much of an emphasis in the league as it is now.

Richards could find similar success in Spoelstra’s system. However, it might take some time before he gets the green light to shoot from long range. Adebayo had to be patient for Spoelstra to give him the green light too. Over the last three seasons, he’s shot over 30 percent from behind the arc, progressively at a high volume.

The Heat potentially having two stretch fives would be a luxury for Spoelstra. However, touches in the paint will still be prioritized. Richards can play in pick-and-roll action, pose as a lob threat, and back down defenders in the post. He’s a decent rebounder, but the Heat will likely demand more of him crashing the glass.

Despite playing on the Suns with Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, Richards has yet to participate in a playoff game. The Heat give him a chance to make the stage and compete for a championship. Although Richards signed a one-year, non-guaranteed contract, he is likely to make the roster on Opening Day.

Anthony Aguirre covers the Miami Hurricanes and Miami Heat for Roundtable Sports. Contact info for tips/info: [email protected] & 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports