Jason Richardson

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Lore & Background

Richardson is often remembered for his proficiency in dunking and shooting. Early in his career, he won the NBA Dunk Contest in both 2002 and 2003, becoming the second player, after Michael Jordan, to win the competition in consecutive years. Later, he became a more proficient shooter, leading the league in three-pointers made from the 2007–08 to 2011–12 seasons, with 820. Since 2021, Richardson has been an active player for Tri-State of the BIG3. He graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Arts in Sports Management in 2025.

In Their Own Story

In a home win against the Phoenix Suns, Jason Richardson etched his name into the record books by making eight three-pointers without missing a single shot. This performance highlighted his evolution from a high-flying dunker to a lethal shooter. During his time in Golden State, he was recognized for his outstanding scoring and dedication. As the team's captain, he took responsibility for the franchise's struggles, circulating a letter of apology in Bay Area newspapers after a 12-year playoff drought. Although the team eventually lost to the Utah Jazz in the second round, Richardson's contributions defined an era of resurgence for the Warriors.

Reader's Guide

Richardson played for the Golden State Warriors from 2001 to 2007. He competed in the Rookie Challenge as a rookie in 2002 and a sophomore in 2003, winning both years and earning Rookie Challenge MVP as a rookie. As a sophomore, he bounced the ball off an opponent's forehead and made a three-pointer before the clock ran out. During his time with Golden State, he gained popularity for his scoring, dunking, dedication, and ethical maturity. As long-time captain, he organized a letter of apology to Warrior fans in 2005 after the team failed to make the playoffs for the 12th straight season. The following year, he helped lead the Warriors to their first playoff trip in 13 years, upsetting the top-seeded Dallas Mavericks in the first round before losing to the Utah Jazz. He set the Warriors franchise record for three-pointers made in a game without missing (8) in a home win against the Phoenix Suns. He won the NBA Slam Dunk Contests in 2002 and 2003, and also competed in the 2004 contest, losing to Fred Jones in the finals. He was traded to the Charlotte Bobcats on June 28, 2007. With the Bobcats, he led the team to a road win against the Boston Celtics with 34 points, and posted 42 points against his former team. He led the league in three-point field goals made in the 2007–08 season. On December 10, 2008, he was traded to the Phoenix Suns. In his first game as a Sun, he scored a game-high 21 points. In the 2010 playoffs, he led the Suns to a first-round victory over the Portland Trail Blazers, including a career playoff-high 42 points in Game 3. The Suns swept the San Antonio Spurs in the next round before falling to the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference Finals. On December 18, 2010, he was traded to the Orlando Magic. In December 2011, he agreed to a four-year, $25 million contract to remain in Orlando. The Magic lost in the first round of the playoffs that year. On August 10, 2012, he was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers in a four-team deal. He managed just 33 games in 2012–13 before being ruled out for the season after knee surgery, and sat out the entire 2013–14 season. He returned to action on February 20, 2015, against the Indiana Pacers, recording 7 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block. His final NBA game was on April 11, 2015, against the Chicago Bulls, with 19 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal. On August 18, 2015, he

Did You Know?

• Richardson won the NBA Dunk Contest in both 2002 and 2003, becoming the second player after Michael Jordan to win consecutively.
• He led the NBA in three-pointers made from the 2007–08 to 2011–12 seasons, with 820.
• Richardson is the father of Orlando Magic guard Jase Richardson.
• He is in the Class of 2025 for the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame, enshrined on December 19, 2025 in Detroit.
• Richardson graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Arts in Sports Management in 2025.