Josh Richardson Injury: Updates on Heat Guard's Knee and Recovery

Miami Heat shooting guard Josh Richardson emerged as a valuable role player for head coach Erik Spoelstra throughout the 2015-16 season, but he suffered a setback Friday when he partially tore his MCL.  

Continue for updates. 

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Richardson Comments on Recovery Timeline

Saturday, Sept. 10

Richardson said his rehab would last six to eight weeks, per Ethan J. Skolnick of the Miami Herald. The forward added he could miss the start of the season, per Skolnick. 

According to The Vertical's Shams Charania on Friday, Richardson suffered the knee injury during workouts. 

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Richardson Hoping to Build on Strong Rookie Campaign 

As a rookie, Richardson came on strong by averaging 6.6 points, 2.1 rebounds and 0.7 steals while shooting 45.2 percent from the field and 46.1 percent from three in just 21.3 minutes per night. 

The Heat also outscored opponents by 3.1 points per 100 possessions with Richardson on the floor—a mark that was 0.7 points better than the team's net rating with him on the bench. 

"I played more than I expected going into this year," Richardson said in May, per the Miami Herald's Manny Navarro. "I thought I would just be learning from the older guys and just kind of watching. But once I started playing, being effective, I was thankful for that opportunity to be able to do that. I’m going to work my butt off every day this summer just to get better."

While a timetable for his return has yet to be determined, the Heat can take some solace in the fact that they have solid depth at shooting guard.

Not only did they sign Dion Waiters—who can slide in and start for Richardson in a pinch—but combo guard Tyler Johnson emerged as a breakout player last season and was signed to a four-year, $50 million deal. 

Johnson is the more appealing candidate to fill in at the 2 if Richardson isn't ready for opening night on Oct. 26, but Spoelstra could opt to give Waiters starts and let Johnson lead the second unit. 

Stats courtesy of Basketball-Reference.com and NBA.com.