Amid those questions, Michigan State freshman guard Jase Richardson<\/a> \u201chas been connected to<\/a> the Hawks throughout the pre-draft process,\u201d per Yahoo Sports senior analyst Kevin O\u2019Connor.<\/p>\n Why Draft Jase Richardson?<\/p>\n The rationale behind the Hawks drafting Richardson with the 13th overall pick has been covered by Last Word on Sports on a couple of occasions<\/a>. Those looking for a scouting report on Richardson can find one here<\/a>. However, he\u2019s essentially a prospect who can be a long-term backup<\/a> for franchise point guard Trae Young.<\/p>\n At the offensive end, Richardson is heady and confident, playing with a comfort-level that\u2019s common for someone with his pedigree. After all, Richardson is the son of Jason Richardson<\/a>, who averaged 17.1 points per game in his 13-year NBA career. He\u2019s obviously much smaller than his father, who was listed at 6-foot-6 and 220 pounds, but he\u2019s a strong finisher nonetheless.<\/p>\n Jase Richardson is a combo guard who has the ability to play on or off the ball at a high level in the NBA.<\/p>\n The Michigan State product is a very good shot-maker at all three levels. Silky smooth pull-up from the mid-range and behind the arc. Thrives as a spot-up shooter where he\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/Mwr1mhhsuI<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Global Scouting (@GlobalScouting_) May 27, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n Furthermore, he does project to be just as solid of a 3-point shooter, converting 41.2 percent of his long bombs in 2024-25. Last but not least, at least so far as his scoring ability, he has an instinctive in-between game.<\/p>\n With his ability to generate points, Richardson should make it easier for the Hawks to glide through the Young-less minutes. It\u2019s possible that the two share the court at times too though. Their lack of height may be a deterrent against playing them together frequently. Yet, their 3-point shooting could make those two-guard lineups electrifying.<\/p>\n A Complementary Piece<\/p>\n What makes Richardson a true complement to Young is his defensive presence. The four-time All-Star deserves credit for increasing his intensity and focus at that end in recent years. Still, he\u2019s a weak link on that side of the court.<\/p>\n Richardson is not. On- or off-ball, he\u2019s assertive, making great use of his basketball IQ and frame. To that point, though he\u2019s 6-foot-0 (without shoes), he has a 6-foot-6 wingspan.<\/p>\n He\u2019s not going to climb past Young on the totem pole just because he\u2019s likely to be more effective at that end. However, he can be a situational substitution that allows them to improve their defense while preserving their 3-point shooting. Thus, he\u2019d be similar to players like Patrick Beverley<\/a>, a 12-year NBA veteran that\u2019s made a positive impact for multiple contenders.<\/p>\n \u00a9 Dale Zanine-Imagn Images<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/IMG_6650-300x200.jpeg\")
Mar 28, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Mississippi Rebels guard Dre Davis (14) dribbles against Michigan State Spartans guard Jase Richardson (11) in the first half of a South Regional semifinal of the 2025 NCAA tournament at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images<\/p>\n