Jase Richardson
The 2000’s NBA era was filled with incredible dunkers. Each and every night, players would be rising up and throwing down crazy posters. And this was also the era where the game’s premiere players were still taking part in the Slam Dunk Contest.
In both 2002 and 2003, Golden State Warriors guard Jason Richardson came out on top. Few could slam it like he could, as he proved to be unbeatable. Fred Jones took the crown in 2004, but nobody forgots where they were when J-Rich was throwing down.
And now, here in 2026, his son, Orlando Magic guard Jase Richardson, will be entering the contest. A first-round pick in this past year’s draft, the rookie is going to be trying to continue the family legacy.
The field is wide open this year, so Richardson should absolutely have the chance to get it done.
Jase Richardson Set for Dunk Contest Appearance
The dunk contest field was supposed to already be set. Jaxson Hayes was the first to commit, representing the Lakers. The big man had had plenty of explosive jams in the association.
Spurs rookie Carter Bryant committed next, ready to show the world how high he is capable of flying. During his season at the University of Arizona, he skied above the rim on the nightly.
Pistons center Jalen Duren was ready to become the fourth Piston to do the contest. But due to injury, he now has to pull out, Jase Richardson gets his spot, now.
Keshad Johnson of the Heat rounds out the field, the second-year big man having logged 37 games across his two seasons in Miami.
The field appears to be wide open this year. With all young talent competing, the edge is certainly going to be on the one who has the father to win multiple contests. Jase has it in the genes to throw down colossal jams, and he is hoping to join the legacy his dad started in this event all those years ago.
During a showcase over the summer, he climbed the ladder and accidentally dunked on a teammate. Of course, the bounce was incredibly impressive, but it’s also comical to see such a slam.
There is another son in the Richardson family, Jaxon, who has some unbelievable bounce. He was able to successfully replicate the jam his dad did all those years ago in the contest. The bounce and verticality runs in the family, quite clearly. He has five colleges on his list, but is yet to commit.
Getting back to Jase, this is his chance to keep the Richardson name in the headlines.
---Jase Richardson Looking for Victory
Dwight Howard and Mac McClung are the only Magic players to ever win the dunk contest. Aaron Gordon could never get past Zach LaVine or Derrick Jones Jr. to come out on top. Jase Richardson hast he chance to make it three from Orlando to do it.
Jase showed off the bounce during his time at Michigan State, and is looking for a few more NBA jams.
The field is wide open this year, with a whole lot left to be determined. McClung opting out means we’ll have a different champion for the first time since 2022. A third Richardson dunk contest title on the way?
Buckle up, folks. It’s Jase time.