After a dramatic Monday night, the NBA Draft Lottery is set and Michigan State guard Jase Richardson is poised to become the first Spartan drafted in the lottery since Jaren Jackson Jr. and Miles Bridges back in 2018. As the Spartan legacy pursues NBA glory just like his dad, the Combine has affected his stock.
In Chicago, Richardson measured in at 6-foot-0.5 and 178.4 pounds, alarming numbers for a player whose skill set is better translated as a two guard in the pros. However, his 6-foot-6 wingspan and 8-foot-2.5 standing reach helped offset his unfavorable height.
Despite some inconsistencies within his measurables, the Denver native shined in front of pro scouts.
Richardson, amassed a 38-inch vertical, just a half-inch behind Baylor’s VJ Edgecombe, who is heralded among the best athletes in the draft class. The son of 14-year NBA veteran Jason Richardson also shot 56 percent in shooting drills, exciting scouts about his ability to translate to the association.
With that being said, these three teams are the most favorable landing spots for the 19-year-old combo guard.
Atlanta Hawks
Trae Young could be on the move this offseason and the Kobe Bufkin experiment has looked like a failure due to his inability to stay healthy. Because of this, reliable backup guard play is an area of need for the Hawks since Terrance Mann serves as more of a wing player.
Complementing Richardson with players such as 2024 No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher, Jalen Johnson, and Onyeka Okongwu could help the former MSU star immediately shine as a plug-and-play option in the league.
Scouts praise Richardson’s efficiency and decision-making, so for the Hawks (a team who picks at No. 13 and No. 22), he is a worthy gamble to provide consistent minutes, regardless of what happens with Young.
Miami Heat
Terry Rozier has one year left on his contract, Jimmy Butler is in Golden State, and Tyler Herro has been manning the point guard position for the Heat despite being best as an off-ball scorer. Yes, Herro had the best season of his career, but Richardson would be a fantastic complement to him and Bam Adebayo.
The Heat passed on Jared McCain in last year’s draft and now have an opportunity to rectify that mistake by selecting Richardson. While it is no gimme that he’ll be available at No. 20 overall, Erik Spoelstra is a coach who would get the most out of his versatile skill set
He’s also a quintessential Heat culture fit; he’s tough, smart, and efficient, and handled the big moment with ease for the Spartans during their Elite Eight run.
The Heat have rotated through their fair share of guards in recent years, and Richardson is a player whose role would increase over time in Miami. Like their Southeast division rivals I just mentioned, the pieces are in place for junior to make a real impact.
Brooklyn Nets
I originally considered both the Magic and Jazz for this spot, but I opted to highlight a rebuilding Nets team. Cam Thomas is headed for restricted free agency and D’Angelo Russell will be a free agent after the 2026 season.
The Nets could draft a Jeremiah Fears or Kasparas Jacucionis at No. 8, but they could also bring in a big man like Derik Queen or Khaman Maluach. The Nets also have four first round picks in the 2025 Draft, opening the door for a youth movement at the Barclays Center to fill their laundry list of needs.
The Nets also pick at No. 19, No. 26, and No. 27 overall, meaning that Richardson is a legitimate possibility as a high-upside flyer in the teens or 20s.
Richardson can play point guard and shooting guard in the NBA, since he played both in East Lansing. His skill set favors the two more, while his frame favors the one more. He is a good scorer with the ability to create more in an offense that could ask him to be more of a floor general (which was not the case at MSU).
Since his father played in the pros and he played at a blue blood like Michigan State, Richardson can handle the bright lights of New York City. Should he open his career in Bed Stuy, he would see quality minutes for the Nets early amid the rest of their rebuild, which could provide him ample room for development.
Honorable Mentions: Orlando Magic, Toronto Raptors, Phoenix Suns
Richardson is no generational prospect, but his pedigree and potential stand out as he braces for an NBA future. He’s become one of the most polarizing guard prospects in this draft, but his basketball IQ could shine in situations like these.