Jason Richardson facts for kids
Richardson with the Phoenix Suns in 2009
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| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | January 20, 1981 Saginaw, Michigan, U.S. |
| High school | Arthur Hill (Saginaw, Michigan) |
| Listed height | 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) |
| Listed weight | 225 lb (102 kg) |
| Career information | |
| College | Michigan State (1999–2001) |
| NBA Draft | 2001 / Round: 1 / Pick: 5th overall |
| Selected by the Golden State Warriors | |
| Pro career | 2001–2015 |
| Career history | |
| 2001–2007 | Golden State Warriors |
| 2007–2008 | Charlotte Bobcats |
| 2008–2010 | Phoenix Suns |
| 2010–2012 | Orlando Magic |
| 2012–2015 | Philadelphia 76ers |
| Career highlights and awards | |
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| Career statistics | |
| Points | 14,644 (17.1 ppg) |
| Rebounds | 4,245 (5.0 rpg) |
| Assists | 2,284 (2.7 apg) |
Jason Anthoney Richardson Sr. (born January 20, 1981) is a famous American basketball player. He played for 14 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA). The Golden State Warriors picked him as the fifth player in the 2001 NBA draft. Before that, he played college basketball for the Michigan State Spartans. Jason also played for the Charlotte Bobcats, Phoenix Suns, Orlando Magic, and Philadelphia 76ers.
Jason Richardson is well-known for his amazing dunks and great shooting skills. Early in his career, he won the NBA Dunk Contest two years in a row, in 2002 and 2003. He was only the second player ever to do this! Later, he became a fantastic three-point shooter. From 2007 to 2012, he made more three-pointers than anyone else in the league. Since 2021, Jason has been playing for Tri-State in the BIG3 league.
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Early Life and College Basketball
Jason Richardson was born in Saginaw, Michigan. He went to Arthur Hill High School and graduated in 1999. In his senior year, he led his high school team to the Class A championship game. He was named Mr. Basketball of Michigan and a McDonald's High School All-American. This means he was one of the best high school players in the country.
Jason decided to play college basketball for Michigan State under coach Tom Izzo. In his first year, he was a key player off the bench. He helped the Spartans win the NCAA Championship in 2000. In his second year, he became the team's top scorer. He led Michigan State to the Final Four in 2001. He was also named to the Big Ten First Team that year.
Professional Basketball Career
Playing for the Golden State Warriors (2001–2007)
The Golden State Warriors chose Jason Richardson as the 5th overall pick in the 2001 NBA draft. He quickly became a fan favorite.
As a rookie in 2002, Jason played in the Rookie Challenge game. His team won, and he was named the MVP (Most Valuable Player) of the game. He won the Rookie Challenge again in 2003. During his time with the Warriors, Jason was known for his exciting dunks and scoring. He was also a dedicated team captain.
In 2005, the Warriors had not made the playoffs for 12 years. Jason helped organize a letter of apology to the fans. The next year, he helped lead the Warriors to their first playoff trip in 13 years! They surprised everyone by beating the top-ranked Dallas Mavericks in the first round.
Jason set a Warriors record by making 8 three-pointers in a game without missing any. He is still remembered as one of the best dunkers of the 2000s. He won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest in 2002 and 2003. He also competed in 2004 but decided to stop after that.
Time with the Charlotte Bobcats (2007–2008)
On June 28, 2007, Jason was traded to the Charlotte Bobcats. He quickly made a big impact there. He scored 34 points in a game against the Boston Celtics, helping the Bobcats win. This was a big upset for the Celtics.
Jason also helped the Bobcats win five games in a row, which was a team record. He even scored 42 points against his old team, the Golden State Warriors. In the 2007–08 season, he led the Bobcats in scoring. He also led the entire league in three-point shots made.
Joining the Phoenix Suns (2008–2010)
On December 10, 2008, Jason was traded to the Phoenix Suns. The Suns wanted another player who could score a lot of points.
In his first game with the Suns, Jason scored 21 points. Even though the Suns missed the playoffs in his first year, he helped them get back in his second year. He played well on both offense and defense. In the 2010 NBA Playoffs, Jason scored a career-high 42 points in a game against the Portland Trail Blazers. The Suns won that series. They also swept the San Antonio Spurs in the next round. However, they lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference Finals.
Playing for the Orlando Magic (2010–2012)
On December 18, 2010, Jason was traded to the Orlando Magic. In December 2011, he signed a new contract to stay with the Magic. The Magic made the playoffs in Jason's first year with the team. They lost in the first round to the Atlanta Hawks.
With the Philadelphia 76ers (2012–2015)
On August 10, 2012, Jason was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers. This was part of a big trade that sent Dwight Howard to the Los Angeles Lakers. Jason played only 33 games in the 2012–13 season. He had to have surgery on his left knee and missed the rest of that season. He also missed the entire 2013–14 season because of the injury.
After more than two years, Jason returned to play for the 76ers on February 20, 2015. He scored 7 points and grabbed 7 rebounds in his first game back. On March 4, 2015, he scored a season-high 29 points. Jason's last NBA game was on April 11, 2015.
Retirement from the NBA
On August 18, 2015, Jason signed with the Atlanta Hawks. But soon after, he felt pain in his right knee. Doctors found bone spurs, which are small growths on the bone. On September 23, 2015, Jason announced he was retiring from the NBA. He said he was worried that if he kept playing, it might hurt his ability to walk for the rest of his life.
Personal Life
Jason Richardson is a father. His son, Jase Richardson, also plays basketball for the Orlando Magic. His younger son, Jaxon, is a highly-rated basketball player for the future.
Awards and Accomplishments
NBA Achievements
- NBA Slam Dunk Champion: 2002, 2003
- Rookie Challenge MVP: 2002
- NBA All-Rookie First Team: 2002
- Led the NBA in 3-point field goals made: 2007–08 season (243 threes)
College Achievements
- NCAA champion: 2000
- Second team All-American: 2001
- All-Big Ten First Team: 2001
High School Achievements
- McDonald's All-American: 1999
- Mr. Basketball of Michigan: 1999
- Parade All-American Second Team: 1999
See also
In Spanish: Jason Richardson para niños
