Josh Richardson Dines with Al Horford, Talks Facing Heat
The Philadelphia 76ers recently released their preseason schedule. The 2019-20 schedule will be unveiled on August 12 at 3:00 p.m. EST. Until then, we are left wondering how this new-look Sixers squad is going to gel.
One of Philadelphia’s newest members, Josh Richardson, was in Miami for the recent Barcelona-Napoli match. He caught up with NBC 6 in South Florida to chat about a few things, one being how he’s going to feel facing his now-former team — the Miami Heat.
“For me, I’m a competitor, I’m going to look forward to that game,” said Richardson. “I’m going to bring a lot of intensity. I’m gonna be up for that game because that’s just how I’m wired.”
Richardson was taken by the Heat 40th overall in the 2015 NBA Draft. He’s averaging 12.9 points on 42.5 percent shooting, including a 36.8 percent mark from beyond the arc during his career. The Sixers acquired the 25-year-old from Miami in a sign-and-trade that sent Jimmy Butler to the Heat.
“Honestly, when I come in here, I wanna kill the Heat,” Richardson continued. “I want to beat them by 20. That’s just how I’m built. If I was on the Heat, I would want to beat Philly by 50 because that’s just how the rivalry, how are teams went.”
Lunch Date
In an offseason filled with exciting acquisitions, Richardson has already connected with one of his new teammates. He and Al Horford met up for lunch and it got Richardson eager to start playing.
“We got to talking, and I want to start playing now,” Richardson said about his lunch with Horford in Atlanta. “He’s a great vet and I’ve never talked to him off the court. From one lunch I could tell how mature he is, how much he wants to win and that’s all I can really ask for.”
Horford is projected to start at power forward for the Sixers this season. He’s also expected to play center in relief of Joel Embiid, which should be a big help for the Sixers preserving his health. Richardson and Horford join a lineup that includes two All-Stars in Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons. Needless to say, it didn’t take long for Richardson to start licking his chops.
“When I first got traded, I started looking at the lineup, I started getting excited. I started getting hyped about it.”
The Sixers begin their preseason slate at the Wells Fargo Center on October 8.
Featured Image: [h/t NBC Sports Philadelphia]
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