Magic president Jeff Weltman on Jase Richardson: 'He is a relentless worker'

ORLANDO, Fla. — Michigan State guard Jase Richardson called it a surreal feeling to be selected with the 25th pick in the 2025 NBA draft by the Orlando Magic on Wednesday.

Richardson was named to the All-Big Ten third team, averaging 12.1 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.9 assists on 41.2% shooting from 3-point range as a freshman. He ranked ninth in the country in box plus-minus (plus-11.6) and 14th in offensive rating (132).

The 19-year-old is a highly-touted guard who takes care of the ball, shoots well and can defend. He dazzled in the open court and has a great touch in the paint, enabling him to get to his floater or convert difficult finishes at the rim, traits that intrigued the Magic.

“Jase, for us, fits a lot of needs,” Magic president Jeff Weltman said. “He is an excellent shooter. He is one of the lowest-mistake players in the whole draft. He is about 6 feet, but he has got a 6-6 wingspan and most importantly, he is an incredible young guy and he has got a great feel for the game.”

Richardson is especially excited to join the Magic, considering his father, former 14-year veteran Jason Richardson, logged 109 appearances in Orlando from 2010-2012. He helped the team reach the playoffs alongside the likes of Dwight Howard, Jameer Nelson and JJ Redick.

The 6-foot-1 guard wasn’t necessarily certain there would be a chance to play for the same franchise as his father. But, he thought he performed well in his predraft workout with the team and liked meeting with Weltman and the rest of the front office.

“It was a surreal feeling, being at home having all of my family, friends and close ones around me, it was really special,” Richardson said. “Just having my name called and going to a team my dad used to play for himself is a blessing. I’ve never seen my dad get emotional like so it was kind of awkward for me at first. But just having that moment with him and joining the NBA brotherhood he was once a part of is so special.”

Richardson began the season with the Spartans in the second unit before moving into the starting lineup in early February. He elevated his play, averaging 16.1 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.7 assists on 42% shooting from beyond the arc over his last 15 games.

Playing for Tom Izzo, Richardson primarily played at the 2-guard position after growing up as a point guard. The Magic liked how Richardson performed and originally brought him in to audition for the 16th pick before they moved it to Memphis to acquire Desmond Bane.

“The interesting thing about Jase is that for a guy who carried a huge part of their offense and had to generate shots for himself and others, (he had) next to no mistakes,” Weltman said. “The guy is a very easy ball mover. He is a quick decision-maker. He has got a crafty way to finish around the rim; obviously, being lefty helps a little bit, probably. He really loves basketball and is very passionate about it. He is a relentless worker.”

Richardson is joining a team attempting to position itself to win now, meaning the former four-star recruit will have to earn his minutes next season. The group believes Richardson can provide some help now, while also spending time in a developmental role.

With the likes of Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, Jalen Suggs and Bane projected to lead the way, Richardson may not be asked to have the same production as he did last season. But he is eager to get to work and help in any way that he can.

“I think it is really a great group of guys,” Richardson said. “All of (those) guys are really high-caliber players, and I feel like I can add playmaking and shooting to that. Anything the team needs me to do or the guys need me to do, I’ll do it.”

This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Magic news: Jeff Weltman calls Jase Richardson a ‘relentless worker’

Magic president Jeff Weltman on Jase Richardson: ‘He is a relentless worker’

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