On Saturday night, Orlando Magic rookie guard Jase Richardson made the most of a lifelong dream.
Richardson played in his first NBA game, a preseason contest against the Miami Heat in San Juan, Puerto Rico that the Magic won, 126-118.
It was a moment Richardson said “didn’t feel real” during training camp leading up to the game. While the 19-year-old dealt with some nerves in the beginning, his poise prevailed.
“It was great, honestly,” Richardson said at the postgame podium. “Little bit nervous in the beginning, but I feel like that’s normal for everybody.”
The 25th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft logged 13 points on 5-of-11 shooting, including a perfect 3-for-3 mark from the perimeter in just over 24 minutes.
“Just super blessed to be out there and super blessed to be able to play this game.”
Since hearing his name called on draft night, Richardson has expressed immense gratitude and humility to be in this position, especially playing for the same organization his dad, Jason Richardson, was a part of from 2010-2012.
Richardson’s night began quietly, as the first half saw him go 0-for-2 from the field. Then, in the third quarter, his capabilities were on full display.
“I think in the second half, the game was just kind of slowing down for me, honestly,” Richardson said. “Just going out there and making simple reads.”
All of Richardson’s successful field goal attempts came in the third quarter, including two rebounds, two assists and a steal.
“I think in the first half, I was trying to rush things a little bit; try to do things I’m usually comfortable with. But I got to learn there’s different way to get comfortable.”
“I just had to find different angles; different ways to get myself involved,” Richardson added.
Beyond his own performance, Richardson noticed collective improvement from the team overall.
“I think in the second half, we were definitely moving the ball a lot better,” Richardson said. “I think in the second half, we were just better offensively and defensively. I think we were guarding a lot better. Just guarding harder.”
Like coach Jamahl Mosley, Richardson understands the preseason is an extension of the work the team puts in during training camp to hone in on their game.
“It’s training camp; we’re still trying to get better every day. Watching this game; just taking what we can from this film.”
Beyond the details on the court, Richardson was enamored with the atmosphere the fans in San Juan provided.
“I loved it, honestly,” Richardson said. “The fans were amazing; they were energetic the whole game.”