Orlando Magic Rookie Watch - Jase Richardson

The Orlando Magic are on the verge of something special. With a young, talented core, the Magic have made back-to-back playoff appearances, only to be ousted in the first round. With a couple of key offseason transactions to tighten up some key positions, the Magic also added what they believe can be a second-unit energizer when they selected Jase Richardson with the 25th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.

The 19-year-old rookie, who turns 20 on October 16, brings the same electrifying approach to the game that his father, Jason Richardson, a two-time Slam Dunk Champion, once did with the Magic, as well as the Golden State Warriors and Phoenix Suns.

Although Jase, a member of the Big Ten All-Freshman Team and Third Team All-Big Ten, has followed in his father’s footsteps, first at Michigan State and now with the Magic, the 6-foot-1 combo guard is hoping to carve out his own identity with a solid mid-range game, creative pick-and-roll playmaking, and long-distance touch.

Despite his small Summer League sample size, which was limited to just two games, the Magic’s rookie carded an average of 16.5 points, 2.5 assists, and 1.5 rebounds in 23.4 minutes of action. Shooting 56% from the field and 50% from downtown, Richardson showcased efficient shooting and athletic transition rim attacks.

While the team added sharpshooter Desmond Bane in the offseason to help solve their main weakness, Richardson gives the team even more depth and options. Last season with the Spartans, Richardson shot 41.2% from three-point territory during his one-and-done season.

One of the youngest teams in the Eastern Conference, the Magic will still likely ease Richardson into the rotation to start the year. An average of 13-15 minutes with 6-8 points, and a couple of assists are reasonable numbers as the rookie helps to space the floor for stars Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner.