DALLAS, Texas — Chemistry is a valuable asset in any sport. If a team builds a solid chemistry it can not only boost players morale individually but can also boost the team’s morale collectively. The Mavericks made several moves during the offseason, but the acquisition of Josh Richardson has given their young roster a solid two way player, veteran presence, and a player who meshes well with superstar Luka Doncic.
During Richardson’s first press conference, he spoke about how he met Doncic while training in California during the offseason, and their first encounter left a lasting impression on Richardson, and cited Doncic being on the team was one of the reasons he was so excited to join the Mavericks.
Richardson posted a photo on instagram with the caption “hermanos” which is brothers in Spanish. The first photo is of him helping Luka up off the floor during pregame stretch at the American Airlines Center, the second photo shows him and Jalen Brunson having to be “playfully separated” by a coach during a practice sessions, and the final photo shows him supporting his teammates dapping them up before sat down on the bench during a timeout.
Richardson is all about team first.
During the Mavericks post game press conference last night, Rick Carlisle spoke shortly about the chemistry between Richardson and Doncic and what he likes most about Richardson’s game.
“I like Josh on both sides of the ball, he is a better shooter than most people think. Defensively he has a presence and can guard a lot of positions and I like his length. I think he and Luka have a good connection. I’m really excited to have him on board with us and I think he is going to have a terrific year.”
Richardson has echoed those same sentiments since his arrival to the metroplex, and seems to be a player who will push his teammates and lift them up, and according to Richardson went it comes to camaraderie the Mavericks have it figured out.
“I’m a guy who is really big on encouraging my guys during the game and the other guys seem to be the same way. From a camaraderie standpoint it’s the best I’ve been around in my career.”
The Mavericks historically implement a support system around their superstar. They did it with Dirk, and now they are doing it with Luka.
Nowitizki played alongside capable vets like Jason Kidd, Jason Terry, Shawn Marion, and a few other players that outfitted the team during their championship run in 2011. Richardson has the potential to be that caliber of player or better. He has the vote of confidence from his head coach and is clearly evolving into a player the rest of his teammates can rely on, and a fan-favorite in the DFW.
