NBA: One breakout candidate for every team heading into 2018-19

NBA Dallas Mavericks Dennis Smith Jr. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
NBA Dallas Mavericks Dennis Smith Jr. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
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AUBURN HILLS, MI – MARCH 28: Josh Richardson #0 of the Miami Heat tries to get a shot off between Tobias Harris #34 and Marcus Morris #13 of the Detroit Pistons during the first half at the Palace of Auburn Hills on March 28, 2017 in Auburn Hills, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
AUBURN HILLS, MI – MARCH 28: Josh Richardson #0 of the Miami Heat tries to get a shot off between Tobias Harris #34 and Marcus Morris #13 of the Detroit Pistons during the first half at the Palace of Auburn Hills on March 28, 2017 in Auburn Hills, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Miami Heat

Josh Richardson 

Assuming that the Miami Heat don’t trade for Jimmy Butler, I have a feeling that Josh Richardson is in line for a big year this season. He has all the traits to be a really good player, but the big question surrounding him throughout the last two seasons is whether he can make the jump from really good to great.

And that’s a question that will likely be answered this season, or at least the Heat would like it to be answered this year. The great thing about Richardson is that he’s a lethal two-way player, and isn’t just great on one end of the floor.

That’s potentially what makes him even more valuable. If the Heat don’t get Butler via trade, their success this season will likely fall on the shoulders of Richardson’s development.