The Miami Heat are off to a 1-1 start in the 2024-25 season. After losing on opening night to the Orlando Magic, Miami rebounded with a 114-106 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday.
Josh Richardson, expected to play a key reserve role, has not been available the first two games due to injury. It seems like that may change for Richardson in the next game or two after an upgrade to his status.
10-Year Veteran Very Close To Season Debut For Heat
Richardson Hasn’t Played NBA Game Since February
It has been a while since the Heat, or anyone for that matter, has seen Richardson play in an NBA game. Joining Miami for his second stint with the team last season, Richardson suffered a dislocated shoulder in February. It sidelined him for Miami’s last 29 regular season games as well as their five-game playoff series against the Boston Celtics.
While Richardson has recently been fully cleared from the shoulder injury, a heel injury has now forced the 31-year-old out of action. Positive news is on the way though for Richardson who hasn’t played in more than eight months.
The 6-foot-5 Richardson was upgraded to questionable for Saturday’s game. He took part in pregame warmups before being ruled out shortly before the game began. According to Anthony Chiang of The Miami Hearld, head coach Erik Spoelstra had this to say about Richardson after Saturday morning shootaround.
“He’s making progress, so I’m encouraged by it. I know he is, as well. Don’t have a specific date, but he’s practicing and he’s doing everything right now.”
The progress is encouraging for a Miami team that could certainly use additional depth. The next two games that Richardson will hope to play in both come at home: Monday against the Detroit Pistons, and Wednesday against the New York Knicks.
Second Stint With Miami After Being Drafted By Them In 2015
In the 2023 offseason, Richardson agreed to a two-year deal with Miami for around $6 million. The second year of the deal was a player option which he decided to pick up. Richardson also spent his first four seasons with Miami from 2015-16 until 2018-19. They selected him in the second round (40th overall) in the 2015 NBA Draft. In his third and fourth seasons, Richardson became a full-time starter for the Heat.
Last season, Richardson appeared in 43 games (six starts) with the Heat prior to his shoulder injury. In 25.7 minutes per contest, he posted averages of 9.9 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists. Richardson shot 44.4% from the field, 34.7% from beyond the arc, and 94.4% (51-54) from the foul line. He reached double figures in scoring 21 times and had a season-high of 24 points on January 31 against the Sacramento Kings.
This will be Richardson’s 10th season in the NBA. Other than the Heat, he has also played with the Philadelphia 76ers, Dallas Mavericks, Celtics, San Antonio Spurs, and New Orleans Pelicans. In 546 career regular season games (322 starts), Richardson has averages of 11.6 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.7 assists. Richardson has carved himself out a nice NBA career despite not being a first round pick.
