NBA: One x-factor for every team heading into the 2020 playoffs

Miami Heat

X-factor: Tyler Herro

Miami’s re-emergence into postseason play was a microcosm of productivity from newcomers and the gradual evolution of mainstays for the last few years. While Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo have been the ring leaders of Miami’s recent Eastern Conference success, rookie Tyler Herro’s steady play as a rotational shooting guard has been an added benefit on the offensive end.

Herro’s 13.5 points per game average on 38 percent 3-point shooting will ultimately land him first-team all-rookie honors by season’s end. In the playoffs, the Heat’s young hotshot shooting phenom will arguably be a deciding difference in the team’s playoff longevity.

Philadelphia 76ers

X-factor: Josh Richardson

Josh Richardson was the 76ers consolation replacement at the shooting guard position when Philly chose not to re-sign Jimmy Butler. Throughout the regular season, he made do with a more reduced role on a more star-centric team. The Tennessee Volunteer product still cracked double-digits in scoring for his fourth consecutive season and averaged around 43 percent shooting on a 11 shots per game trial.

Those numbers were with the Sixers big three of Embid/Simmons/Harris dominating the offensive possessions on a nightly basis. Simmons is permanently on the medical shelf for the rest of the season with an ailing injury leaving shot and ball-handling opportunities open for the taking.

It’s presumed that Richardson will go back to his combo-guard roots and make positive headway in an enhanced role within the Philadelphia offense. In spurts this year with such a responsibility, he has performed well. In the team’s 2020 playoff run, it’s going to be an expected reality if the team desires to last beyond round one.