The Miami Heat was defeated by the Boston Celtics on February 11 after a string of losses. Terry Rozier and Josh Richardson both sustained injuries that may have prevented them from playing for a longer period of time.
Although nothing has been proven by reports, the Heat may face difficulties if their injuries prevent them from playing for an extended amount of time. It goes even worse than that. The Heat missed the deadline to apply for a Disabled Player Exception if they are out for the remainder of the season.
Brian Goins of Miami Heat Beat revealed via his X account that the deadline for this kind of an exception expired on January 15.
The Heat might yet have hope. Goins then went through the requirements for obtaining an exception that would allow them to receive assistance.
With a record of 28–25, the Heat are ranked eighth in the Eastern Conference. Miami wants to win a championship, just like they have in recent years. It could be impeded by losing Rozier and Richardson for an extended period of time. But the Heat have shown that seeding is not a problem for them; in 2023, they entered the NBA Finals as the eighth seed.
Josh Richardson Calls Shoulder Injury ‘Freak Accident’
Following the Heat’s loss to the Celtics, Josh Richardson had a conversation with media. He recounted the events that transpired before to the play itself when he sustained a shoulder injury.
According to the YouTube channel of Five Reason Sports Network, Richardson stated, “It’s just a regular play, honestly.” “It’s kind of like a freak accident because I reached out and (Jason Tatum) spun, and I tried to pull the ball there at an odd angle.”
Although Richardson is unsure of the entire degree of the damage, he expressed his thanks that the injury itself could have been worse.
Richardson told ESPN, “I felt my shoulder pop out on the floor, and then it popped back in laying on the ground, so thank goodness for that.” “Tomorrow, I’ll know more.”
Before the Celtics traded Tatum to the Spurs in 2022, Richardson was a member of the team from 2021 to 2022. In addition to all of that, Jimmy Butler’s absence due to a personal problem will severely limit the depth of the Heat.
Erik Spoelstra’s Thoughts on Heat’s Newest Injuries
Head Coach Erik Spoelstra discussed his opinions on Rozier and Richardson’s most recent injuries at his postgame press conference.
Spoelstra stated, “You just feel for those guys, more than anything,” according to Miami HEAT’s YouTube channel. They are rivals. They desire to be in public. They’re moving in a far more positive path.
Josh was just beginning to regain his health, was getting his footing, and was beginning to have an effect on us on both ends of the floor. Terry was becoming much more at ease, but throughout the season, you still want to witness the development of fortitude. That’s what the past two weeks have shown me. We’re beginning to toughen up and become more assertive about who we are.
The Heat may use the available roster spots to add players that have reached or will hit the buyout market in order to fill in.
