At his peak, Jason Richardson was a force in the NBA. The former Golden State Warriors and Orlando Magic guard played 13 seasons, tallying 14,644 points, 4,245 rebounds, and 2,284 assists over 857 games. He was named to the All-Rookie First Team and became one of just seven players in league history to win multiple Slam Dunk Contests.
Richardson officially retired in 2015, but the 44-year-old Michigan native had a proud moment this week as his son, Jase, was drafted into the NBA. Adding to the emotion, Jase was selected by the Orlando Magic, his father’s former team, making the milestone even more meaningful for the family.
Jason Richardson Beams as Son Jase Joins His Former Team, the Orlando Magic
Jason Richardson was a top-ranked prospect coming out of Michigan State. After helping the Spartans to the NCAA national championship in 2000, he was selected by the Warriors with the fifth overall pick.
On Wednesday, it was Jase Richardson’s turn to hear his name called up at the draft, and it didn’t take very long. Richardson, who also played under legendary head coach Tom Izzo at Michigan State, was selected by the Magic with the 25th pick in the first round.
On Friday, the proud father provided his thoughts on his son’s landing spot and shared why he thought this could be an excellent fit for both parties.
“It’s great. This is a great situation for him. Great fit. This organization is a winning organization but they’ve got the team that’s winning right now,” said Richardson
We spoke with Jason Richardson, who played for the #Magic 2010-12, about Orlando drafting his son Jase:
“It’s a great situation for him,” he said. “This organization is a winning organization but they’ve got the team that’s winning right now … He can fit in right away.”
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Richardson spent two seasons with the Magic and went on to play 109 games with the franchise. He highlighted his son’s sound defense and ability to distribute the ball as some of the key reasons he believes the 19-year-old could have an immediate influence.
“I think he could fit in right away. Especially with the way they play, defensively. Sharing the ball offensively, moving the ball,” added Richardson.
Jase stood out in his freshman season with the Spartans, starting 15 games for the program. The talented guard averaged 12.1 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.9 assists and shot 41.2% from behind the arc.
GENERATIONAL 💙 @OrlandoMagic https://t.co/6QhGV2ZKyo pic.twitter.com/OyBpw3M14C
— Huncho Hoops (@HunchoHoops) June 27, 2025
The Magic have consistently hit on their draft picks over the last few years. The front office surprised a few people in 2022 when they selected Paolo Banchero with the first overall pick ahead of Chet Holmgren but the former Duke star has evolved into one of the league’s most complete players.
Franz Wagner, who averaged 24.2 points and 4.7 assists last season, was selected by Orlando with the eighth pick in 2021.
Last season, Orlando finished seventh in the Eastern Conference with a 41-41 record, but it is noteworthy that they were without forwards Banchero and Wagner for a big portion of the season.
The team recently acquired guard Desmond Bane in a trade with the Memphis Grizzlies, and attaching a versatile guard like Richardson will add some additional depth to their backcourt.
The New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers will likely go into the 2025-26 season as the favorites in the East, but Orlando, a team with a handful of talented stars and a deep roster, could be a legitimate contender in a wide-open Eastern Conference.
