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Golden State Warriors veteran nearing return from injury, won’t rule out Friday’s game v Lakers

By Peter O'Keefe

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 25: Cory Joseph #9 of the Sacramento Kings looks on during the warm up before the game against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on February 25, 2020 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 25: Cory Joseph #9 of the Sacramento Kings looks on during the warm up before the game against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on February 25, 2020 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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Veteran point-guard Cory Joseph is nearing a debut for the Golden State Warriors having previously been rehabbing an injury at the start of training camp.

The 32-year-old has been dealing with a back strain that also influenced his absence from Canada’s squad for the World Cup, but Joseph has confirmed that he’s now returned to practice with the Warriors.

Cory Joseph hasn’t ruled out a return to the floor when the Golden State Warriors meet the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on Friday.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Joseph said that he’ll be awaiting the go-ahead from the medical staff before he makes his first playing appearance in a Warrior uniform.

"“Whatever they tell me, I’m just kind of going day-by-day and going through the process. Whenever I check off those boxes, we’ll figure it out.”"

Head coach Steve Kerr stated that “Cory looked great” at practice on Wednesday, yet added “I don’t know” when asked about his potential availability for Friday’s game against the Lakers.

Cory Joseph of the Detroit Pistons looks for an open teammate while being guarded by Jordan Poole of the Golden State Warriors in the first half at Little Caesars Arena on November 19, 2021. (Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images)
Cory Joseph of the Detroit Pistons looks for an open teammate while being guarded by Jordan Poole of the Golden State Warriors in the first half at Little Caesars Arena on November 19, 2021. (Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images) /

The 2014 NBA champion signed a one-year, $3.2 million deal early in free agency, giving Golden State another veteran point-guard behind Stephen Curry and another offseason acquisition in Chris Paul.

Joseph’s absence in the Warriors’ preseason opener gave rookie Brandin Podziemski more opportunity in the second-unit, one the 20-year-old took with both hands in an impressive display.

Podziemski finished with 11 points, six rebounds and four assists in just over 26 minutes, with Joseph’s leadership and mentorship proving valuable for Golden State’s 19th overall pick.

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Kerr confirmed that veteran forward Draymond Green was still rehabbing and had yet to return to practice after sustaining an ankle injury prior to training camp.

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