Jason Richardson staying positive during rehab

ason Richardson, a Saginaw, Mich., native and Michigan State
alum, cheered on the Lions last week in the snow as they took
on the hometown Eagles.
Credit: Courtesy of Jason Richardson

Sixers veteran shooting guard Jason Richardson has amassed 14,472 points during his 12-year NBA career.

That’s more than double the amount of the Sixers’ next leading scorer, Thaddeus Young, who’s now tallied 5,962 through six years.

But through the team’s first 22 games this season, Richardson hasn’t been able to add to his grand total. He’s been rehabbing since February from surgery to repair a cartilage tear in his left knee. He hasn’t played a game for the Sixers since Jan. 18 of last season. But he expects to finally take the court in February.

“[My rehab]’s coming along,” said Richardson. “It’s a slow process and I’m just trying to stay positive and stay in the best shape that I can. I’m just trying to be a leader for the guys while I’m out and be that veteran that this team needs right now.”

In the meantime, the Sixers have been using a two-man committee at shooting guard. James Anderson has started in 17 games, averaging 9.7 points per game. Hollis Thompson took over his job on Dec. 1 and has averaged 9.2 points in five starts.

Richardson hopes to make an impact in his return, but knows he’ll have stiff competition in front of him in terms of getting his starting job back.
“Right off the bat I know I’m not going to be able to start right when I get back,” said Richardson. “Hollis and James have done a great job so far this season at that spot and I’m just looking to progress and be fully healthy before I can think about starting again.”