The Orlando Magic showed flashes of promise this season, finishing 41-41 and clawing their way into the playoffs. But after a tough first-round exit at the hands of the Boston Celtics, it’s clear the franchise still has work to do, especially on offense.
The Magic finished 15th in offensive rating during the 2024-25 season. It’s clear they need a spark. Especially on the perimeter, the team has lacked a consistent scoring guard who can shoot and create. And now, with the No. 16 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, they may have a chance to change that narrative.
Is Jase Richardson the Scoring Guard the Magic Badly Need?
The latest PFSN mock draft has Orlando taking Michigan State’s Jase Richardson, the 19-year-old son of former NBA high-flyer Jason Richardson. But this isn’t just a feel-good legacy pick—it’s a potential solution to one of the Magic’s most persistent problems: backcourt scoring.
Jase averaged 12.1 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.9 assists in his lone season at Michigan State, shooting a strong 41.2% from 3-point range. He wasn’t always the primary option, but he made the most of every touch. That’s the kind of efficiency Orlando needs next to Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, who already handle most of the team’s possessions.
Freshman Jase Richardson is super athletic and showcased his versatility at CAA Pro Day in front of several NBA teams. He was very efficient in his freshman season shooting 49 FG% and 41 3FG% @JaseRich4 via @JordanRichardSC pic.twitter.com/VWvPAvaTJT
— Swish Cultures (@swishcultures_) May 23, 2025
Brandon Austin of PFSN explained the thinking behind the pick, “Following consecutive playoff berths, the Orlando Magic’s front office appears focused on taking the next step. They have not won a postseason series since 2010, and if this team wants to win now, it will need to get better on the offensive end. Selecting Jase Richardson would be a logical move with him still on the board here.”
For the Magic, this lines up with what the numbers show. Orlando ranked 23rd in 3-point attempts and shot just 31.8% from beyond the arc during the 2024-25 regular season. That kind of inefficiency is hard to overcome in today’s NBA.
Austin also broke down why Jase fits Orlando’s needs, saying, “Despite being the son of former NBA high-flyer Jason Richardson, he’s not the most explosive athlete. However, scouts have been impressed by Richardson’s efficiency and decision-making. He consistently produced within a low-usage role, knocking down open 3s, picking his spots, and finishing around the rim with polished touch.
“But as his role expanded, so did his flashes of creativity. Richardson emerged as one of the most efficient ball-screen scorers in the country, showing an ability to create offense for himself.”
Why Jase Richardson Makes Sense for the Magic
Orlando already has its foundation in Banchero and Wagner. But the team has struggled to find a true scoring guard who can consistently create offense. While players like Jalen Suggs bring grit and defense, the Magic still lack a reliable backcourt creator. Jase could quietly complete that puzzle.
“Richardson’s scoring instincts, two-way versatility, and high feel for the game make him an intriguing fit in Orlando,” notes Austin. “On the defensive end, he brings intensity, awareness, and strong off-ball instincts.”
“While he lacks elite size, he plays with a competitive edge and makes sound decisions. The Magic’s perimeter shooting took a step back in 2024. Richardson shot 41% from 3, so his efficiency would be a welcome addition. His ability to operate off the ball fits well alongside Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero.”
The Magic don’t need to swing for the fences. They need a steady hand in the backcourt—someone who can space the floor, move without the ball and make the right reads. Richardson might not light up the scoreboard every night, but his skill set fills a hole Orlando has struggled with for years.
For the Magic, the 6’3″ guard could be the kind of smart, low-flash, high-impact pick that helps finally end their long stretch of offensive mediocrity.
