NBA season preview: 5 big questions for the Boston Celtics

MIAMI, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 15: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics looks on against the Miami Heat during a preseason game at FTX Arena on October 15, 2021 in Miami, Florida. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

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MIAMI, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 15: Josh Richardson #8 of the Boston Celtics dribbles against the Miami Heat during the second half of a preseason game at FTX Arena on October 15, 2021 in Miami, Florida. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

3. Can Josh Richardson rediscover his game?

Richardson looked like a budding high-level starter during his days in Miami. His career has faltered recently with failed one-year stints in Philadelphia and Dallas. The Celtics hope they can help him rehabilitate his career by reducing the need for him to create offensively this season.

The key for Richardson will be to improve his three-point shooting. He’s never been an elite marksman, but his percentage dropped all the way down to 33.5 percent last year for the Mavericks. He needs to move that number up several percentage points to be a quality starter for the Celtics.

If Richardson’s three-point shot is going in enough to force opponents to close out on him, it will create a lot of space for his teammates to create off the bounce. It also opens up his drive game as a secondary option on the backside. That’s a quality the Celtics are going to need when opponents focus on taking away Tatum and Brown.

Richardson’s defense can also be a plus for Boston if his offense allows him to stay on the floor to close games. He’s long, athletic, and capable of producing steals that can allow his team to get out in transition. In many ways, Richardson is the biggest swing player in Boston’s top-8 this season.

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