About six months ago, Jase Richardson was gathered around the TV at his home with his closest friends, family, and Hall of Fame head coach Tom Izzo, awaiting the announcement of his name in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft.
After measuring slightly smaller than anticipated at the NBA Combine, there was talk that Richardson might slip from the lottery range to the later stages of the first round.
That played out exactly as predicted as the former lottery prospect fell to No. 25 overall in the first round. He was the newest member of the Orlando Magic.
Richardson performed well in the summer league, proving some doubters wrong, and then he made some plays during the preseason that caught the attention of NBA fans. He wasn’t expected to have a huge role with the Magic in year one, but the hope was that he became a role player and then eventually starter.
Through two months, he’s looking like a promising young NBA player with a bright future.
Jase Richardson is making the most of his minutes
Early on in his NBA career, Richardson isn’t getting a ton of minutes, but he’s making his presence felt when he is on the floor.
He’s played in 19 games and he’s averaging just under 10 minutes per game. When he’s on the floor, however, he’s efficient and effective, averaging 4.6 points, 1.2 rebounds, and 1.2 assists while shooting about 49 percent from the floor. Jase is also a knockdown shooter from 3, converting on 43 percent of his attempts.
In the eight games in which he’s played more than 10 minutes, Richardson is averaging 9.9 points and 2.8 rebounds per game, also shooting 42 percent from three.
Richardson is making the most of his minutes, and it looks like the Magic are trusting him more because he’s had five straight appearances of 10-plus minutes. He’s scored at least nine points in all but one of those games.
For anyone who was worried about Richardson potentially flaming out in the NBA, it looks like the rookie can hang. Give him time to earn more minutes and I think you’re going to see a really solid future NBA starter.