Orlando Magic's Jase Richardson Talks Differences Heading Into Year Two

ORLANDO — The Orlando Magic will begin their schedule of Summer League games by facing the Charlotte Hornets on July 9 in Las Vegas, and the team has been working diligently in the days leading up to it.

Players such as rookie forward Izaiyah Nelson and other new players join a fresh coaching staff taking over the process, but there are returners as well. Second-year players Jase Richardson and Noah Penda are back for another Summer League slate, and they are in a leadership role as a result of the experience they accrued during their rookie year.

On Monday, Richardson talked with the media, and he started out by voicing his confidence in the United States men’s national team being able to win the World Cup.

"I think it's possible," Richardson said. "We have a squad. I don't think we've looked this good since, I mean, the last World Cup I remember us looking really, really great was 2010. So I think this is the best team since then. And we've been looking good. So hopefully we get it done today. It's going to be a tough one, but I hope we get it done."

For Richardson, adopting a leadership role has been a point of emphasis, especially at his position.

"I think the main thing that they're just emphasizing is being a leader, being the most vocal guy in here," Richardson said. "Especially at the point guard position, just being as vocal as I can, you know, help the other guys out and, you know, just make sure my voice is being heard offensively and defensively.

"Pushing the pace offensively," he added. "I think is one of the biggest things that we're kind of doing offensively right now is just pushing the pace, seeing how fast we can get down the floor, see if we can get open looks. And then defensively, just being a pest on the ball, off the ball, 94 feet, just being a pest."

Richardson has adjusted to life in the NBA, and his physical traits have changed as a result.

"I think just my body," Richardson said when asked about the difference in how he felt coming into his second season. "I feel like I've worked on my body a lot this summer. I feel a lot stronger, feel a lot more quicker, more agile, more in shape, more conditioned. So I definitely feel a lot better in both shapes."

Additionally, Richardson is working on his defensive productivity.

"I think just positioning defensively and, you know, just being a defensive guy," he said. "You know, different plays, different reads I've got to make defensively. So, just being a pest."

Richardson appeared in 54 games during his rookie year and averaged 4.4 points on 47.3% shooting from the field in 10.9 minutes per contest. Those experiences were significant for the 20-year-old because of how he can use them moving forward.

"Super important," Richardson said. "I think there's no better way to learn than to get thrown in the fire early.So, you know, just having those moments and looking back on them, I feel like there's a lot to learn from, but also a lot of good things to take away from. 

"So, just trying to bring those positive things and those negative things and just work on them during the Summer League."

Join the Community! Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news! It's completely free to join, simply by clicking the yellow button at the top of the homepage. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members. Download the free Roundtable APP and stay even more connected!