When the Detroit Pistons go to the Miami Warmth On Monday evening, the house workforce ought to have a key veteran as Josh Richardson is about to play for the primary time this season.
The Warmth performed the primary two video games of the 12 months with out Richardson within the lineup. The veteran suffered from irritation of his left heel. This might be a lingering problem for Richardson all through coaching camp.
When the Warmth revealed their damage report for Monday evening’s recreation in opposition to the Pistons, they left Richardson sidelined for the primary time this 12 months. Barring an sudden setback, Richardson will make his season debut.
The 2024-25 NBA season marks the sixth season that Richardson will compete for the Warmth. He’s presently in the course of a second stint with them.
Final 12 months, Richardson appeared in 43 video games for the Warmth, serving primarily as a backup. He spent 26 minutes on the courtroom per recreation, producing ten factors, three rebounds and two assists per recreation. Richardson shot 44 p.c from the sector and 35 p.c from three.
The 31-year-old former second-round decide spent the primary 4 seasons of his profession with the Warmth. Earlier than the 2019-20 season, he was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers within the deal that helped the Warmth purchase Jimmy Butler by means of a sign-and-trade.
Richardson solely spent one season in Philadelphia. In the course of the 2020–21 season, he performed for the Dallas Mavericks after being traded. In 2021-22, Richardson performed with the Boston Celtics and San Antonio Spurs. He stayed with the Spurs for 2 seasons earlier than becoming a member of the New Orleans Pelicans.
Monday’s recreation marks the beginning of Richardson’s contract 12 months with the Warmth. Over the summer time, he picked up his participant possibility for over $3 million. The Pistons will face a comparatively wholesome Miami workforce lacking solely two-way participant Josh Christopher and veteran Kevin Love.
