Richardson Suffers Setback In Return From Knee Injury

Prior to the Saturday's game against the Utah Jazz, Philadelphia 76ers' guard Jason Richardson told Chris Vito of the Delaware County Daily Times that he's experiencing swelling in his surgically-repaired left knee. While there's no pain to speak of, the build-up of fluid on his joint is an area of concern.

"Yeah, I had some setbacks. I don't know," Richardson said Saturday. "Like I told (Sixers' head coach Brett Brown) when we talked a month ago, if it's 10 or 15 or two games, I want to come back. That's my goal. That's my motivation. If it doesn't happen, (my goal is) get ready for next year."

"It's just part of the rehab," Richardson said. "I'm trying to get back as quickly as I can, at least a couple games for my own confidence. Then I can go into the offseason thinking about what I have to do for next season."

Richardson - who has a player option for next season worth $6.6 million - hasn't suited up for the Sixers since he first injured his knee back in January 2013. Just last month, Richardson was cleared to begin shooting light jump shots, but still hasn't been given the green light to resume running and other basketball-related activities.

Late last week, Brown told reporters that Richardson's return this season was unlikely. In 33 games last year, the 33-year-old Richardson averaged 10.5 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game.