The Orlando Magic selected Michigan State guard Jase Richardson with the 25th pick in the NBA Draft Wednesday night, adding to their elite guard rotation.
Richardson becomes the second Magic player on the active roster with a father who played on the team, joining Jett Howard. Richardson’s father, Jason, spent two seasons in Orlando.
“Going to a team that my dad played for before is a blessing,” Richardson said. “I’ve never seen my dad get emotional like that.”
The Magic took advantage of a draft slide and selected a player who they probably would’ve selected at 16 before the Desmond Bane trade. The selection of Richardson and the trade for Desmond Bane will help the league’s worst three-point shooting team in 2024.
“We actually brought Jase in to look at with the 16th pick,” Magic President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman said. “Jase for us fits a lot of needs because he is an excellent shooter, and he is one of the lowest mistake players in the whole draft.”
“When I got [in Orlando] for my workout, I kinda felt like it was a really good spot for me,” Richardson said. “I really enjoyed my workout and the facilities.”
The selection marks the final details of the Aaron Gordon trade, where they hope Richardson will contribute more than Gary Harris and RJ Hampton.
https://twitter.com/OrlandoMagic/status/1938070800692568521
Despite being only 19-years-old, Richardson has shown immense potential as a scorer. In his freshman year at Michigan State, Richardson put up 12 points per game, shooting 49% from the field and 41% from three.
He was named Third Team All-Big Ten and to the Big Ten All-Freshman Team for his efforts, joining the Heat’s first round pick Kasparas Jakučionis with these honors.
The concerns in Richardson’s game come with his frame, as he stands at 6 ‘2″. As a combo guard, Richardson will be targeted on defense by taller guards.
His elite shooting should earn him playing time alone, as the Magic need as much help as they can get. He is joining a guard rotation of Jalen Suggs, Desmond Bane, Anthony Black, and Howard.
“I think it’s a really good group of guys,” Richardson said. “I feel like I can add playmaking and shooting to that. Anything the team needs me to do, I’ll do it.”
With comparisons to Derrick White and Monta Ellis in the pre-draft process, Richardson has the potential to be a role player for a contending team in the East.