Jase Richardson channels his father's dunking legacy, carving his own path while celebrating family pride on the NBA's biggest stage.
NBA All-Star Weekend is always a special event for the league, but it held extra meaning for Orlando Magic guard Jase Richardson, who honored his father by competing in the 2026 NBA Dunk Contest. His father, Jason Richardson, won back-to-back titles in 2002 and 2003, cementing his legacy as one of the best dunkers in league history. Jase didn’t match that success, but he embraced the moment and enjoyed representing his family’s legacy.
"Nah, I think for me, I'm trying to steer away from that,” Richardson said about honoring his father in the dunk contest.” I'm just trying to, you know, I just want to do the contest and try to make it my own thing instead of everything have to do with my father. So I just wanted to come out here, have a good time. I did. That's all that matters."
"It's enjoyable,” Richardson added. “ To share that moment with my dad to play for the same team, it's always special, but just enjoying it. Love this team, love the city. So I've been enjoying it. We won the last three or last two technically, but need to bring another one back to Orlando."
Richardson wasn’t a favorite to win, but he spoke with his dad and his brother, two prolific dunkers, for advice on his moves.
"That's one thing that's always hard about this competition is you've already basically seen everything. I mean, I think after Aaron Gordon and Zach Lavine, it's a lot not a lot you could do now, but I got two jumpers in the family, my little brother and my dad. Just talk to them, try to figure out, pick their brains, and they gave me some creative things."
"I probably asked what I'd be doing first,” Richardson added. “But other than that, this something I've always imagined being a part of and I was just blessed to be here."
For Richardson, participating in the dunk contest meant more than dunking. It honored a family legacy for his father, Jason, who played a major role in his basketball development, including one-on-one games during his high school days.
"Middle school we played a lot,” Richardson said. “I couldn't win in middle school but then my freshman year I think I beat him. He never gives me credit for it. He said he was taking it easy. He was playing super hard though. But we haven't played since then. I think since that moment he realized he can't guard me anymore. He's getting a little bit older. So I don't think there's going to be another one-on-one game again. He comes home, he needs ice on his knees, a hot pack, some icy hot. Hopefully we can get him a couple things so we can play again."