The Miami Heat have been without one of their major contributors for a while. Guard Josh Richardson has missed the first few games of the season due to a partially torn MCL.
Richardson, however, is seemingly nearing a return. Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reported earlier on Friday that Richardson has been cleared to return to action and could play on Friday or Monday depending on the Heat’s decision.
The Heat have since confirmed that Richardson may return tonight, having gone through shootaround with the team, but nothing has been set in stone.
INJURY UPDATE: Josh Richardson (MCL) has been cleared to return to action but Coach Spo is not sure if he will play tonight. pic.twitter.com/d2MZPwnjv8
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) November 4, 2016
Head coach Erik Spoelstra via Jackson:
Richardson “was able to go through everything today,” Spoelstra said. “That’s a good sign. We have to keep on working and making sure he’s getting stronger, getting better conditioned and not feeling any pain.”
If Richardson does indeed make his return on Friday, he will have his hands full early. He will likely have the task of defending Raptors’ guard DeMar DeRozan for stretches. The latter has started the season on a tear on the offensive end and does not look ready to slow down.
Regardless of when he returns, this is great news for Josh Richardson and the Heat (who could also be getting Josh McRoberts back). Richardson emerged as a draft steal last season and looks like he could be a significant contributor for Miami moving forward.
