Magic Rookie Jase Richardson Joins NBA Dunk Contest

Rookie guard expresses surprise but vows to compete seriously in All-Star Weekend event.

Feb. 12, 2026 at 3:39am

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Orlando Magic rookie Jase Richardson was surprised to be named one of four competitors in this year's NBA Slam Dunk Contest during All-Star Weekend. Despite his initial lighthearted reaction on social media, Richardson made clear he intends to compete seriously and aims to win the competition, which garners significant attention during the league's midseason break.

Why it matters

Much of the intrigue around Jase Richardson's participation stems from his lineage; his father, Jason Richardson, is a two-time dunk contest champion who won titles in 2002 and 2003. This opportunity not only highlights Jase Richardson's emerging presence in the NBA but also continues a family tradition that excites fans and adds meaning to the dunk contest's role within All-Star Weekend.

The details

Through the first 52 games of the season, Jase Richardson has attempted only four dunks in 38 games played, a relatively low total for a dunk contest participant. However, he has been working on improving his dunking skills lately. The dunk contest will air Saturday at 5 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock, featuring four first-time participants: Jase Richardson (Magic), Carter Bryant (Spurs), Jaxson Hayes (Lakers), and Keshad Johnson (Heat).

  • The dunk contest will take place on Saturday, February 12, 2026 at 5 p.m. ET.

The players

Jase Richardson

A 20-year-old rookie guard for the Orlando Magic who was surprisingly selected to compete in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest during All-Star Weekend.

Jason Richardson

Jase Richardson's father, who is a two-time dunk contest champion, winning titles in 2002 and 2003 as a member of the Golden State Warriors.

Jamahl Mosley

The head coach of the Orlando Magic, who expressed enthusiasm for Jase Richardson's inclusion in the dunk contest and related it to his father's legacy.

Noah Penda

A fellow Orlando Magic rookie who admitted he had little advice for Richardson regarding dunk technique, but said he would be there to cheer him on.

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What they’re saying

“A lot of people don't think I'm going to try because of what I tweeted, but I'm not going to do something I'm not going to compete in.”

— Jase Richardson, Orlando Magic Rookie

“I'm always going to try to go win something. Don't know if it is going to happen, but I'm still going to try to compete.”

— Jase Richardson, Orlando Magic Rookie

“I think, for me, it kind of came as a shock because I feel like I'd be the last person people would expect to be in it, but I always grew up watching it.”

— Jase Richardson, Orlando Magic Rookie

“If I have any advice on how to dunk, … not at all. That's really not my stuff. He's a way better dunker than me. I don't think there's advice. I said, 'Just go enjoy and I'm going to be there to cheer for you.' That's it.”

— Noah Penda, Orlando Magic Rookie

“I really think it is great for him. His dad did it for years. I think just being able to carry that on ... He's been in the gym working on some stuff lately so it's fun to watch, fun to see. His teammates (are) rallying behind him doing it. That's really big time for him.”

— Jamahl Mosley, Orlando Magic Head Coach

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This opportunity for Jase Richardson not only highlights his emerging presence in the NBA but also continues a family tradition that excites fans and adds meaning to the dunk contest's role within All-Star Weekend. While he may not have the same skill set as his father, Richardson embraces the chance to enjoy the moment and compete against other rising stars.