Magic Rookie Jase Richardson Follows in Father Jason's Footsteps

Jase Richardson, the son of two-time NBA Slam Dunk champion Jason Richardson, will compete in the 2026 Slam Dunk contest.

Feb. 8, 2026 at 7:55pm

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Jase Richardson, a rookie with the Orlando Magic, is the son of former NBA player Jason Richardson, who won the Slam Dunk contest in 2002 and 2003. While Jase has yet to reach the same level of fame as his father, he is set to participate in the 2026 Slam Dunk contest, following a similar path to the NBA.

Why it matters

The Richardson family has a strong basketball pedigree, with both Jase and his father Jason playing in the NBA. Jase's participation in the Slam Dunk contest continues this legacy and adds to the excitement around the upcoming event.

The details

Jase Richardson, who is legally known as Jason Anthoney Richardson II, was the 25th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic. Prior to the NBA, he played one season at Michigan State, where the team was crowned regular-season champions of the Big Ten Conference. While Jase is yet to make a significant impact in the NBA, his name and family ties to his father, two-time Slam Dunk champion Jason Richardson, have drawn a lot of attention. Jase, who stands at 6'3", is notably smaller than his 6'6" father, and has only recorded 4 dunks in 37 games so far this season, the fewest among all Slam Dunk contest participants. However, Jase revealed that his father has motivated him and told him to "go out there and have fun" in the upcoming contest.

  • Jase Richardson was selected 25th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic.
  • Jase Richardson will participate in the 2026 NBA Slam Dunk contest on February 14, 2026.

The players

Jase Richardson

A rookie with the Orlando Magic, Jase is the son of former NBA player and two-time Slam Dunk contest champion Jason Richardson.

Jason Richardson

A former NBA player who won the Slam Dunk contest in 2002 and 2003, and is the father of current Orlando Magic rookie Jase Richardson.

Jackie Paul-Richardson

Jase Richardson's mother, who also played basketball in college and coached Jase during his earlier basketball years.

Jaxon Richardson

Jase Richardson's younger brother, who is a highly rated basketball prospect in high school and is projected to potentially have a better career than his older brother.

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What they’re saying

“I don't know if I have the same amount of stuff he had, but he just told me to go out there and have fun. I think that was the biggest thing. I'm at All-Star break doing something that not a lot of people say they can do.”

— Jase Richardson

What’s next

Jase Richardson will compete in the 2026 NBA Slam Dunk contest on February 14, 2026, where he will look to follow in his father's footsteps and potentially overshadow his achievements.

The takeaway

The Richardson family's basketball legacy continues with Jase Richardson, the son of two-time NBA Slam Dunk champion Jason Richardson, set to participate in the 2026 Slam Dunk contest. While Jase has yet to make a significant impact in the NBA, his participation in the high-profile event showcases the enduring influence of the Richardson family in the sport.