Jason Richardson hoping to play before All-Star Break

Jason Richardson is nearing a return to active play and we only have one question: Does this mean a fourth Slam Dunk Contest appearance for the two-time champion?

No. It almost certainly does not. He's 34 years old and hasn't appeared in an NBA game since Jan. 18, 2013 due to knee and ankle issues. But oh, the memories.

Nostalgia aside, Richardson actually is nearing a return to the court for the Philadelphia 76ers. Still in the last season of a four-year, $24-million contract signed in 2011, the Sixers are paying Richardson $6.6 million to hang around and let the young guys make jokes about his age.

He may soon join those youngsters on the court, as he's been playing in 5-on-5 drills and is aiming to play in one or two games before the All-Star Break, which begins Feb. 10 for the 76ers. While it's unclear what his body will be able to offer after such a long stretch off, Richardson could at least still knock down a three when he last played, something Philadelphia could use a great deal.

In 838 career games, Richardson, the No. 5 overall pick in 2001, has averaged 17.3 points, five rebounds and 2.7 assists, shooting 37.1 percent from long range.