SON of one of the best high-flyers in NBA history, combo guard Jase Richardson who looks like a player with plenty of experience at the top level under his belt, and will be hoping to have just as big of an impact once selected in June.
Although he does not have his father's impressive vertical ability and tendency to throw down rim-rattling dunks, Richardson is deadly from mid-range and can operate pick and rolls tremendously, and if he can become more prominent in the point guard role, he could have a stunning NBA career ahead.
DRAFT PROFILE
Son of former NBA Slam Dunk Contest Champion Jason, Richardson grew up in Denver, Colorado, before heading to Las Vegas to play high school basketball. He also played junior basketball in Florida, jet-setting as his father did at the top level.
A consensus four-star recruit, Richardson followed in his father's footsteps and join the Michigan State Spartans. The older of the two Richardson's was Second-Team All-American and also won a championship during his time there, so there was plenty of family history in the halls.
During his time with the Spartans, Richardson made a name for himself as an impressive backcourt contributor who could play both guard positions, and was capable of scoring the ball himself, as well as setting up teammates with creative passes.
Throughout the 2024/25 season, he averaged 12.1 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.3 blocks per game, all while shooting an accurate 49.3 per cent from the field, 41.2 per cent from three-point land and 83.6 per cent from the charity stripe.
STRENGTHS
+ Pick and roll creation
+ Shooting from midrange
+ Ability to finish above his size
+ Overall feel for the game
IMPROVEMENTS
- Undersized for the shooting guard position
- Scoring in isolation
Although his point guard skills do need a bit of work, Richardson is an excellent performer in pick and rolls, often making the right decision and making something happen for his team. Whether it is taking advantage of the opposition backing off, or waiting for the right time to pass to the screener, the combo guard is usually productive in half-court sets.
His best attribute on the scoring front is his midrange shooting, proving absolutely deadly inside the arc and tough to stop from this range. Whether it is stopping on a dime or putting up a floater on the way to the basket, Richardson simply finds a way to get the ball in the hoop from two-point territory, and is consistently scoring from this method.
Although not the tallest or most athletic player, Richardson has excellent touch around the rim, and can avoid the defence with a solid overall feel when scoring the basketball. The combo guard is not afraid of a little contact, and can still finish through the defender's chest when attacking the hoop.
One of the biggest issues he may face in the NBA would be his height putting a cap on his ceiling, given he stands just six-foot-three. With the average height in these positions getting taller by the year, he may prove undersized at the top level.
DRAFT PROJECTION: Top 20
Richardson is not a carbon copy of his father, and will rely less on athleticism for production on the offensive end at NBA level. However, his midrange scoring and pick and roll creation are enough to sell scouts on him as a top-20 selection in Chicago.
