The Orlando Magic made several aggressive moves this offseason, headlined by a blockbuster trade for Desmond Bane that could change the franchise’s trajectory for years. One under-the-radar move was holding onto the No. 25 pick from that deal and using it to draft shot-creating guard Jase Richardson.
Richardson slipped in the draft after once being projected as a mid-to-late lottery pick. Concerns about his 6-foot frame and limited playmaking led to the slide. Still, the Magic saw an opportunity. With the addition of Tyus Jones to handle playmaking duties, they can let Richardson focus on what he does best in scoring.
In NBA Summer League, Richardson seized his first chance to showcase his game at the next level and he impressed. He consistently put his shoulder down to finish through contact, hit step-back jumpers at full speed, and knocked down tough shots late in games. In the matchups he played, he emerged as the clear go-to scorer down the stretch. Still, Richardson admitted in an interview with Zach Schumaker that he had to adjust to the faster tempo of the NBA game, calling the experience a valuable first step.
“Surreal,” Richardson told Schumaker. “I think that was the first time it really hit me that I was playing in the NBA jersey. Well, technically an NBA jersey, and it was just, it was fun. The group of guys that we had, that we had during the training and that was playing, they were super special guys. We were having so much fun. Even though we didn't win a game, it was just still fun to be out there with those guys,to finally play in a technical NBA game. It was, it was amazing.”
“I think for me, just the pace of the game,” he added. “It's up and down all 40 minutes of that game. So I mean up and down, I think the first three possessions of our first game all just winded because of how fast the game was at first. So just getting used to that pace, I think that was one of the biggest things for me.”
Jase Richardson Talks Orlando Magic, NBA Draft, Tom Izzo, Michigan State, Soccer, Knee Injury & More
This is a conversation from The SchuZ Show where Jase Richardson Talks Orlando Magic, NBA Draft, Tom Izzo, Michigan State, Soccer, Knee Injury & More.- - - -...
Despite battling an ankle injury in two Summer League starts, Richardson averaged 16.5 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists while shooting 55.6 percent from the field. He knows he won’t be the focal point with Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner poised for All-NBA caliber seasons, but he’s ready to carve out a role as a key contributor on a championship-contending Magic team.
“Super exciting coming into a team that can compete for the East right away,” Richardson noted. “You get to add something to that, whether that's on the court or off the court, it's just special in any single way. So whatever role I have to be on this team, I will be that role.”
“Being a guy that's able to hit shots,” he added. “Hit open shots, and defend. For me, I'm a smaller guard, so I feel like those are two things you really have to do to stand out in this league. So just coming in, if I play in games, try to defend at a high level, and be able to knock down open shots.”