National Basketball Association

Josh Richardson cleared to return for Miami Heat

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Josh Richardson has been cleared to play by team doctors and will be making his return tonight in a tough game against the Toronto Raptors.

Miami Heat shooting guard Josh Richardson, who has been out since September 9th with a partially torn MCL in his right knee, appears finally set to return to the lineup. Richardson missed all of training camp with the injury, and his return is vital to both the future of the Miami Heat, and to their current chances to compete for a playoff spot.

The news was first reported by Shams Charania, of The Vertical:

In the second half of last season, Josh Richardson showed his immense value as a three-point shooter and as a player who can finish around the rim, through traffic, and with nasty dunks.

From February 24th on through the end of the regular season (26 game sample size), Richardson averaged 11 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2 assists per game. He shot 50% from the court and an astounding 54% from three. On nights when Dion Waiters may be struggling with his efficiency, Richardson gives the Heat another option to go to.

What This Means

Although it is unlikely Richardson will be starting tonight, his return is important for a variety of reasons. It gives the Heat another explosive weapon off the bench to go along with Tyler Johnson. Aside from Johnson, Miami isn’t getting much consistent scoring production out of their reserves.

Richardson’s importance also lies in the fact that he’s a tenacious defender. A lineup of Justise Winslow, Johnson and Richardson, with Hassan Whiteside protecting the rim, is going to be awfully tough to score on.

All in all, his return is terrific news for Heat fans. He’s an exciting young player with a big future ahead.