#25: Welcome to Orlando, Jase Richardson!

[3ddman23]

Jase is another one that seems to have a great head on his shoulders. The size (height wise) doesn't bother me as much. For me it's his frame. He is super underdeveloped it seems. He has almost no muscle definition to his body.

I'm not sure how well that will hold up long term. I'm sure he will get bigger and stronger in the NBA but something tells me he has that slight body frame. Which combining that with his smaller height ( for NBA standards) I'm not the biggest fan of.

I like his pedigree and scoring ability though. So I'm hoping his catch and shoot translates right away and is a key piece early on.

[dsg2021]

Watch on YouTube

HANG IT IN THE LOUVRE

[Optimus_Steel]

Watch on YouTube

HANG IT IN THE LOUVRE

Had not seen that one….that was absolutely disgustingly good. Wow kid is exciting. Kid has a special talent to finish in traffic.

[PrimeThyme]

Outside of purely the role he will fill on our team, I get bothered by the Cole 2.0 comments because I just think Jase is a flat-out better basketball player. More importantly for us, he's a better shooter. Cole didn't hit his ceiling because his swing skill was his 3pt shooting, and dating all the way back to his one year at NC, he's been a high volume inefficient shooter who has shot 34% from 3 in his first 5 seasons in the league.

I think Jase is a legitimate shooter, and if you compare his shooting numbers (3pt fg%, PER, FG%, Etc) from his one year at MSU to Coles from his one year at NC the difference is stark. Imo, this is potentially the best shooter Weltman has drafted since heading the team. We've drafted a lot of hypothetical shooters who have never fully developed, but Jase is already that guy.

Add in the grit, on-ball defense, flashes of shot creation, and I don't think it's a comparison. Cole was always extremely overrated as a prospect and player. I had Jase as a top 12 prospect in this class and think Weltman should have been streaking in the war room once he was there at 25.

[Last Guardian]

Outside of purely the role he will fill on our team, I get bothered by the Cole 2.0 comments because I just think Jase is a flat-out better basketball player. More importantly for us, he's a better shooter. Cole didn't hit his ceiling because his swing skill was his 3pt shooting, and dating all the way back to his one year at NC, he's been a high volume inefficient shooter who has shot 34% from 3 in his first 5 seasons in the league.

I think Jase is a legitimate shooter, and if you compare his shooting numbers (3pt fg%, PER, FG%, Etc) from his one year at MSU to Coles from his one year at NC the difference is stark. Imo, this is potentially the best shooter Weltman has drafted since heading the team. We've drafted a lot of hypothetical shooters who have never fully developed, but Jase is already that guy.

Add in the grit, on-ball defense, flashes of shot creation, and I don't think it's a comparison. Cole was always extremely overrated as a prospect and player. I had Jase as a top 12 prospect in this class and think Weltman should have been streaking in the war room once he was there at 25.

Don't know much about this guy, but Cole is too emotional. It makes a great post game interview, but leads to a lot of mistakes and struggles on the court.

I can tell just by this kids face that he isn't going to have the same problem.

[fendilim]

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[Furinkazan]

Orlando Magic’s Jase Richardson headlines 5 biggest steals of 2025 NBA Draft Round 1

Orlando Magic's Jase Richardson, picked at No. 25, is among the five biggest steals from the 2025 NBA Draft Round 1.

1. Jase Richardson – Orlando Magic (No. 25)

Orlando Magic held on to this one pick despite trading away a host of picks for Desmond Bane earlier. What sets Richardson apart is the fact that the 19-year-old can immediately contribute while also holding potential to become a future star.

Jase Richardson averaged 12.1 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.9 assists while shooting 41.2% during his freshman year. His stock had gone down in the buildup to the draft due to his small frame. However, Jase’s midrange jumper and basketball IQ make him a player who can excel on both ends of the court. Jase is a gritty defender capable of taking on much bigger players and should excel in the NBA once he settles.

[Knightro]

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[PrimeThyme]

I just think the NBA has been undervaluing guards with Jase's size and skillset for years now. Inefficient high volume small guards like Fears and Cole have been overvalued forever while effecient scoring guards like Jase who can get buckets at all 3 levels continue to be these "Diamonds in the rough" year after year because the NBA refuses to identify this.

Daryl has been getting value on these exact type of guards for years now. He got both Maxey and McCain outside of the lottery and both to me were glaringly obvious lottery talents coming out of Kentucky and Duke imo.

Jase has pedigree and fell victim to teams ahead of him falling in love with project big wings and bigs over the safer more obvious talents. It's ridiculous that someone like him could be available at 25. Regardless, it's our gain.

[VFX]

I just think the NBA has been undervaluing guards with Jase's size and skillset for years now. Inefficient high volume small guards like Fears and Cole have been overvalued forever while effecient scoring guards like Jase who can get buckets at all 3 levels continue to be these "Diamonds in the rough" year after year because the NBA refuses to identify this.

Daryl has been getting value on these exact type of guards for years now. He got both Maxey and McCain outside of the lottery and both to me were glaringly obvious lottery talents coming out of Kentucky and Duke imo.

Jase has pedigree and fell victim to teams ahead of him falling in love with project big wings and bigs over the obvious talent. It'd ridiculous that someone like him could be available at 25. Regardless, it's our gain.

To me this comes down to whether or not he can handle the ball at the next level. His size will always be a thing.

We watch a team like the Pacers and they have 3-4 guards that can handle, move the ball, and can shoot. It’s a great situation to have a lot of those guys on your roster. It opens up playmaking for everyone else if they can actually pass.

On a base level he’s what Orlando needs in scoring. Nobody can argue otherwise. If he has any of those other things in a few seasons, then he’s a steal. Orlando’s roster can mitigate defensive shortcomings due to his size. He just needs to prove he’s actually a 3-level scorer against nba defenses.

[PrimeThyme]

To me this comes down to whether or not he can handle the ball at the next level. His size will always be a thing.

We watch a team like the Pacers and they have 3-4 guards that can handle, move the ball, and can shoot. It’s a great situation to have a lot of those guys on your roster. It opens up playmaking for everyone else if they can actually pass.

On a base level he’s what Orlando needs in scoring. Nobody can argue otherwise. If he has any of those other things in a few seasons, then he’s a steal. Orlando’s roster can mitigate defensive shortcomings due to his size. He just needs to prove he’s actually a 3-level scorer against nba defenses.

Yeah, I definitely think there is some stuff being left out of the conversation when it comes to his size too.

Is he short? Yes, however, he has a 6'6 wingspan and is very sturdy. Compare his frame to someone like AB's coming out who was obviously taller but did not have the strength to consistently finish his first couple years in the league. If you look at the numbers Jace is arguably the best finisher at guard in this draft, extremely crafty at finding angles and avoiding contact, and has a strong frame at his age.

I think the handle will become functional enough in time as well, but the best part is if he could just be an off-ball cutter, team defender, and 3pt shooter (all strengths of his coming out of college) it will keep him on the court and the rest will hopefully come.

[Knightro]

I think the handle will become functional enough in time as well, but the best part is if he could just be an off-ball cutter, team defender, and 3pt shooter (all strengths of his coming out of college) it will keep him on the court and the rest will hopefully come.

I agree with this. Even if the ball handling and playmaking doesn't really develop, he still projects to be a good enough shooter and finisher to be an off-ball guard off the bench on a good team.

The shooting really gives him a very sturdy floor as a prospect. We literally just today saw a guy like Sam Merrill get close to $10M AAV and all he really does is shoot.

[Optimus_Steel]

I just think the NBA has been undervaluing guards with Jase's size and skillset for years now. Inefficient high volume small guards like Fears and Cole have been overvalued forever while effecient scoring guards like Jase who can get buckets at all 3 levels continue to be these "Diamonds in the rough" year after year because the NBA refuses to identify this.

Daryl has been getting value on these exact type of guards for years now. He got both Maxey and McCain outside of the lottery and both to me were glaringly obvious lottery talents coming out of Kentucky and Duke imo.

Jase has pedigree and fell victim to teams ahead of him falling in love with project big wings and bigs over the safer more obvious talents. It's ridiculous that someone like him could be available at 25. Regardless, it's our gain.

He def should have gone about 12 picks higher. But GMs are still enamored with measurables…

[Skybox]

Depending on any other moves that might affect his opportunities for playing time...like, say, signing or trading for a vet like DLo, Sexton, or Monk...I'm going to say that I could easily imagine a scenario where he shows some real maturity in his transition to the NBA and gets a lot of run with the 2nd unit (essentially takes over the leading role that Cole, Jingles, etc held)...he has a real chance to be an All-Rookie candidate.

When you look at other draftees and their team situations, it's hard to see many guys who will jump out into a significant role as organically as Jase could. I think his fit with AB off the bench is nearly perfect and the need for a guy to come in and aggressively look to light it up offensively (like Cole) but do it in an efficient productive manner (not like Cole) is as clear a lane as any rookie could hope for.

Cooper is the ROY, I think Harper is a tremendous talent, but may not blow up right away on a team with multiple guards including Fox who really hasn't made his big debut in SAS yet. I'm high on Maluach, but Mark Williams will allow PHX to bring him along more slowly...I just don't see anyone else better set up to showcase his strengths...he may not be ready to grab it (which would be fine, not a problem) - but I think he'll have an open door if he can.

Honestly, I think I'd be more excited about a C upgrade that signifies ORL will roll the ball out to our existing top 4 guards (Suggs, Bane, AB, Jase) and see how it looks - rather go in deep for a NAW or Sexton, etc.

For the record, I'd still investigate getting Simons - but without frps, I don't see that gaining any traction. That would REALLY be an All-In Move...It would have to be pretty dependent on Simons' camp recognizing his market value is disappointingly low and he should be looking for situations that make him happy and productive and not worry about the next deal with the understanding it will be for less. Once ORL traded for Bane - I kind of felt like the wind went out of POR & Simons' large trade profile.

*Cole's best two years, statistically, were his first two - before the big talent really arrived. I don't see any obvious reasons why Jase couldn't do that...and, likely, more efficiently

[thelead]

I'm WAAYYY more excited about this pick than I should be considering he was the 25th pick. Probably the most excited I've been for any non-lotto pick in our history.

[fendilim]

I just think the NBA has been undervaluing guards with Jase's size and skillset for years now. Inefficient high volume small guards like Fears and Cole have been overvalued forever while effecient scoring guards like Jase who can get buckets at all 3 levels continue to be these "Diamonds in the rough" year after year because the NBA refuses to identify this.

Daryl has been getting value on these exact type of guards for years now. He got both Maxey and McCain outside of the lottery and both to me were glaringly obvious lottery talents coming out of Kentucky and Duke imo.

Jase has pedigree and fell victim to teams ahead of him falling in love with project big wings and bigs over the safer more obvious talents. It's ridiculous that someone like him could be available at 25. Regardless, it's our gain.

Hopefully he has the speed of Maxey too.

[thelead]

This would have been sooooo helpful last season:

Watch on YouTube

[PrimeThyme]

I would not be surprised if we are having conversations in February about how sizeable of a role Jace has on this team.

From some of the stuff I've read, I think a lot of people expect Jase to have been this heralded 5-star entitled player all of his life (like Cole was coming out) based on his Dad and background, but he's actually a real chip on the shoulder type of guy and is not remotely afraid of the moment. He was a true freshman coming in as a non-top 30 4-star this year and played his way into a big role on an Elite 8 MSU team. In his first start, he put up 29 points in a comeback win against Oregon, and I just would not be shocked if he challenged AB for minutes at some point this year with how quickly I see his scoring and shooting translating.

To me, it really just comes down to whether or not you think those two things will translate at the next level. Based on everything I've seen on the court and in the numbers, I have no doubt they will, and that alone will make him a highly desirable role player in this league. Him developing his handle and playmaking chops would be the cherry on the top at that point for the role we need him to fill on our team fully healthy.

Here is a quote post draft from Jase showing some of that chip:

Spoiler:

“The majority of my my basketball career, I've been doubted. So it's nothing I'm not used to,” Richardson said. “Coming into Michigan State, I was doubted. Some people were asking me if I was redshirting, so things like that. I know that doubt is always going to be there. Especially coming into this next level, there's a lot of doubt about what I can do. But I'm always willing to prove people wrong.”

[thelead]

I would not be surprised if we are having conversations in February about how sizeable of a role Jace has on this team.

From some of the stuff I've read, I think a lot of people expect Jase to have been this heralded 5-star entitled player all of his life (like Cole was coming out) based on his Dad and background, but he's actually a real chip on the shoulder type of guy and is not remotely afraid of the moment. He was a true freshman coming in as a non-top 30 4-star this year and played his way into a big role on an Elite 8 MSU team. In his first start, he put up 29 points in a comeback win against Oregon, and I just would not be shocked if he challenged AB for minutes at some point this year with how quickly I see his scoring and shooting translating.

To me, it really just comes down to whether or not you think those two things will translate at the next level. Based on everything I've seen on the court and in the numbers, I have no doubt they will, and that alone will make him a highly desirable role player in this league. Him developing his handle and playmaking chops would be the cherry on the top at that point for the role we need him to fill on our team fully healthy.

Here is a quote post draft from Jase showing some of that chip:

Spoiler:

“The majority of my my basketball career, I've been doubted. So it's nothing I'm not used to,” Richardson said. “Coming into Michigan State, I was doubted. Some people were asking me if I was redshirting, so things like that. I know that doubt is always going to be there. Especially coming into this next level, there's a lot of doubt about what I can do. But I'm always willing to prove people wrong.”

I’m high on him but he’s just 19 years old. It’s going to take him time, likely years, before he’s ready to contribute consistently. I hope he gets a good amount of bench minutes to learn though.

[pepe1991]

I'm not sure some of you understand how talented of ball handler you have to be to get enough separation to shoot as small person in nba.
Without elite handles and elite ancitipation and passing game you simply can't play in nba below 6'2.

Only 9 men were below 6'1 among 500 players this year. 1 averaged 4 mpg, 1 got cut, all 9 were PGs. LIke, 4 of them are future HOF players (Cp3, Conley, Vleet, Lowry)

But i don't nee to write anything, there is video that shows how hard it is to be small in nba

Watch on YouTube

One of stongest point he draws in video is that best skill small guard needs to have is mindset of attacking point knowing attempting shot isn't best option.

Acting size isn't a problem when you can't find single 6'0 shooting guard in nba is just playing ignorant.