ORLANDO — Orlando Magic coach Jamahl Mosley touched on the news about rookie Jase Richardson participating in the Slam Dunk Contest during All Star weekend, which was announced on Friday. 

“I think it's really cool,” Mosley said. “I really think it is great for him. You know, his dad did it for years. I think just being able to, you know, carry that on. He's been in the gym working on some stuff lately, so it's fun to watch, fun to see his teammates rallying behind him, doing it.” 

Richardson’s dad, Jason, won the dunk contest in consecutive seasons (2002, 2003) and played for the Magic from 2010-2012. 

Orlando has three home games before entering the All-Star break, which includes hosting the Utah Jazz on Friday night. The Magic won the first contest of the season in an overtime thriller on Dec. 20, and now Utah comes to town with a new-look roster after acquiring two-time All-Star and former Defensive Player of the Year, Jaren Jackson Jr. 

Jackson Jr. will join Lauri Markkanen — who is averaging 27.1 points — in the front court. 

“Just with that size and length, they create a problem both offensively and defensively,” Mosley said about the matchup problems Markkanen and Jackson Jr. will create. “Defensively, first, those guys being at the rim, protecting the rim, rebounding the basketball.  

But offensively, you know, what Lauri’s able to do; just his shooting ability, and then Jaren Jackson being able to be at the rim, finishing around the rim; they create a big-time threat.” 

“He does so much,” Mosley added regarding Jackson Jr. “Rim protection, rebounding, scoring threat, able to knock shots down on the perimeter as well. So, I think he just provides just an anchor, you know, down in the paint on both sides of the ball.” 

The Magic are going to have to adhere to proper execution to win Friday’s game. 

“So, our ability just to follow the game plan and know exactly what we need to do with whoever they put out there on the floor.” 

Mosley also emphasized the importance of Orlando’s guard play, which will look a little different on Friday after the team signed free agent Jevon Carter; an addition that Mosley praised. 

“I spoke with him this morning going through shoot around,” Mosley said. “Just talking to him about being a leader through his years in the league; his toughness, his tenacity, his voice, his presence, his ability to guard 94 feet and seeing the young guys that we have on our team.  

Can he be that example? Because he's been with different teams, knowing exactly what it means to stay on a team, be on a team and recognize how you can contribute in any way.” 

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