Josh Richardson was back in the middle of the Miami Heat's practice Wednesday, but the question next becomes where the second-year guard fits in the rotation.
The only certainty is that coach Erik Spoelstra said Richardson has been cleared to return in Friday's game against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena, after missing the previous 19 games due to a sprained left foot, out since Jan. 8.
"He looks good because he's worked at it now for two weeks, where he's been going full scale," Spoelstra said of Richardson's return. "But he spent the last four, five weeks really working on his conditioning, getting his health right. He's been doing some level of contact now for two weeks.
"So I think he's had a pretty healthy approach to prepare for this. There's been a lot of moving parts all year long, so that doesn't change now. The team has been able to adapt to guys coming in and out of the rotation."
Richardson returned from the Heat's weeklong layoff with a new look, as well, sporting braids.
"I was just sitting at the house one day and I was messing with my hair and it was really long, so I was, 'I'll get it braided.' Yeah, just did it," he said. "I got introduced as the new guy in practice today."
Richardson, who has spent time this season at point guard, shooting guard and small forward, said he is open to whatever is asked.
"I feel great," he said. "I did full contact, so I felt like I was good in that. I've been keeping my conditioning, so I think I'm ready."
The issue now becomes: ready for what?
"Nothing can be set in concrete with this team," Spoelstra said. "That's just the way the year has gone. What we're asking of him and everybody is be ready and contribute. Help impact winning, that's the most important thing."
