Heat's Josh Richardson NBA East Rookie of Month for March
Josh Richardson continues to be the second-round gift that keeps on giving for the
Miami Heat.
Last June's No. 40 pick out of Tennessee on Tuesday was named
NBA Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month for March. He becomes just the third player in the franchise's 28 seasons to take the honor and the first since
Michael Beasley in April 2009. The only other Heat player to be named NBA Rookie of the Month was
Caron Butler, who took the honor in November, January and February of the 2002-03 season.
Among Heat rookies never to receive the honor were
Dwyane Wade,
Glen Rice and Steve Smith, with the monthly awards first bestowed in 1981-82.
Richardson led all rookies during March in plus/minus (with the Heat outscoring the opposition by 66 points when he was on the court), steals per game (1.13), 3-point field goals made (33), overall shooting percentage (.532) and 3-point percentage (.589). He averaged 12 points, 2.7 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 15 games over the month.
Richardson's .589 (33-of-56) 3-point percentage was the second-highest for a single month in NBA history with at least 50 attempts.
In addition, the reserve guard scored in double-figures eight times, including six games with at least 15 points.
In the 23 games since the All-Star break, Richardson has out-performed his previous 23-game season averages in almost every statistical category including points per game (up 8.8), rebounds per game (plus 1.5), assists per game ( plus 1.1), steals per game (plus 0.78), field goal percentage (up .267), 3-point percentage (up .388) and double-figure scoring games (11 more).
Richardson becomes the third player to be named Eastern Conference Player of the Month this season. New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingas, the No. 4 pick last June, took the honor for November, December and January, with Indiana Pacers forward Myles Turner, the No. 11 pick last June, taking the February award.
