Jase Richardson is one of the fastest-rising names in the NBA's 2025 rookie class.
The former Michigan State star spent one season in East Lansing, dominating the competition en route to a Big Ten title, Elite Eight appearance, and then he parlayed that into a first-round draft pick by the Orlando Magic last month. He becomes the first first-rounder for Tom Izzo since Jaren Jackson Jr. and Miles Bridges in 2018.
While he did fall to No. 25 overall after being touted as a potential lottery pick, Richardson just proved the rest of the league wrong for passing on him in Summer League play.
Although his numbers weren't eye-popping, he played in a couple of games and really just carried over that calm, cool, collected play-making from Michigan State. He was one of the most efficient scorers in NBA Summer League and now he owns a multi-year shoe deal with a major brand.
That's right, Richardson has signed a shoe deal with Nike.
BREAKING: Orlando Magic rookie Jase Richardson has signed a multi-year shoe deal with Nike. 📄✍️@JaseRich4 emerged as one of the most efficient scoring guards during Summer League play. pic.twitter.com/C9hiiUKi0L
— Nick DePaula (@NickDePaula) July 25, 2025
There's nothing concrete in terms of the details of the deal, but signing with Nike is big-time. He was wearing Nike with Michigan State a year ago and getting free shoes through the program because of it and now the brand is going to pay him.
Richardson is having a heck of an offseason so far. Outside of finishing his freshman season with a Big Ten title ring and a deep NCAA Tournament run, he has been drafted in the first round, he has signed a deal with the Orlando Magic, and now he has his own shoe deal with Nike.
And I thought Tom Izzo couldn't get guys to the NBA.