Jason Richardson aiming for late-January return after 2-year absence

The last time Jason Richardson stepped on a basketball court, the Philadelphia 76ers hadn't even begun tanking yet. It's been that long.

Almost two years, to be specific. Richardson hasn't appeared in a game since Jan. 18, 2013, sitting out first with knee troubles that ultimately required surgery and then with ankle issues. Basketball fans would be forgiven for having assumed the 33-year-old was out of the league entirely by now, a distant Slam Dunk Contest memory.

But he's still an active player and he's collecting $6.6 million from the 76ers this season, the last year on his four-year contract. He doesn't plan to take that money without earning it, surprisingly saying Wednesday that he's closing in on a comeback.

"It will mean a lot to come back," Richardson told Yahoo Sports, noting that he's still a few weeks from practicing but is targeting a late-January return. "I thought I was done playing. I really did."

Richardson said that watching his son play AAU ball this summer renewed his love for the game and he's looking forward to lending veteran leadership to a 76ers team that doesn't have an active player within five years of his age or experience.

"I just want to teach them the little tricks I know," Richardson said. " ... I am still one of their teammates and still respect the things that they have to say."

The 76ers can't expect much in terms of production from Richardson, who had seen his effectiveness wane even before the two-year respite. In 838 career games over 12 seasons with five teams, Richardson has averaged 17.3 points, five rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.2 steals, numbers Philly would probably prefer he doesn't approach.

It's unclear if he'll ever see the floor as a regular rotation player, as the Sixers have every incentive to develop young players right now. An increased presence at practice certainly can't hurt, in any case.