Orlando Magic's Jase Richardson Emphasizes Desire to Improve

ORLANDO — Orlando Magic guard Jase Richardson is entering his second NBA season, and after playing his rookie year under former coach Jamahl Mosley, he is adapting to new coach Sean Sweeney.

In Richardson’s view, Sweeney is very competitive, which is reflected in how the team is attacking training camp. From stretches to film sessions, Richardson said Sweeney wants to do everything at the highest level, and he is one of the biggest competitors that he has met in his life.

Sweeney's competitive nature is rubbing off on Richardson and his teammates, and Richardson emphasized the level of physicality and on-ball pressure that is occurring during camp. It is a level of aggressiveness that Richardson is embracing, and it is something that he loves.

Richardson, who will turn 21 on Oct. 16, received a lot of quality reps during his rookie season. Over the course of the 2025-26 campaign, Richardson appeared in 54 games and averaged 4.4 points. 

In the playoffs, he got a brief stint on the floor and made the most of it in Game 2 of the first round against the Detroit Pistons, when he scored six points in three minutes.

Now, with the first week of training camp nearing its end, Richardson has noticed the progress that he and his teammates have made. When it comes to the offensive side of the ball, Richardson said that the team is getting better at spacing and at what to do when the play breaks down.

From a defensive standpoint, he has seen an increase in energy. Ahead of the Magic's summer league slate in July, Richardson made it known that he wanted to become a better defender.

Orlando's training camp opened up with two-a-day practices over the first three days, and even when Richardson and his teammates felt tired, they remained aggressive in their approach. 

Now, in his second training camp, Richardson also has a goal of becoming a better on-ball creator and a playmaker as a point guard. He is also testing his defensive prowess against veteran teammates such as Desmond Bane and Jalen Suggs each day.

As Richardson works to become a more physical and demanding presence on the basketball court, he is integrating more time in the weight room to get stronger and support the aggressive play style he is trying to consistently achieve.

Richardson has a good group to learn from, and after showing flashes of potential during his rookie year, he could become more of a contributor for the Magic in the upcoming season.