Orlando Magic rookie Jase Richardson expressed surprise after being named one of four competitors in this year’s NBA Slam Dunk Contest, part of the All-Star Weekend festivities on Saturday at Inuit Dome in Inglewood, California. The 20-year-old guard shared his initial reaction on social media, conveying a mix of disbelief and humor regarding the invitation to showcase his dunking skills.
Despite his lighthearted post on X, Richardson made clear he intends to compete seriously and aims to win the competition, which garners significant attention during the league’s midseason break.
“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,”
Richardson said in the locker room.
“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.”
He added confidently,
“But I feel like I’ve got some stuff.”
Following in the Footsteps of His Father, Jason Richardson
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 as a member of the Golden State Warriors. Even Jason expressed surprise at his son’s selection, given Jase’s modest dunking frequency during his rookie season.
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. According to basketball-reference.com, his dunking numbers reflect a player still developing his highlight reel reputation.
“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,”
Richardson said.
“Obviously, one of the most fun things to do during All-Star and I always used to pretend, so I was like, ‘Why not?’”
He went on,
“So, I put my name in there, and they said they wanted me to do it, so I was like, ‘OK, let’s do it.’”
Details of the Dunk Contest and Competitors
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). Alongside Richardson, all these players are rookies to this event, providing fresh excitement to the competition.
The judging panel rotates among former players with exceptional dunk contest pedigrees. Hall of Famers Dominique Wilkins, a two-time winner in 1985 and 1990, and Dwight Howard, champion in 2008, headline the judges. They will be joined by Nate Robinson, the only three-time winner with titles in 2006, 2009, and 2010, and Brent Barry, the 1996 winner.
Dwight Howard is notably one of two former Orlando Magic players who have claimed dunk contest victories. Another former Magic player, Mac McClung, recently signed a two-way contract with the Chicago Bulls and is the first to win the dunk title three times, earning two with Orlando and one with Philadelphia.
Support and Perspectives from Teammates and Coach
Richardson’s teammates and coaching staff have expressed encouragement regarding his participation. Fellow Magic rookie Noah Penda, who has dunked 11 times in 37 games this season, admitted he had little advice for Richardson regarding dunk technique.
“If I have any advice on how to dunk, … not at all,”
Penda said with a grin.
“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.”
Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley also expressed enthusiasm for Richardson’s inclusion in the contest, relating it to his father’s legacy and Jase’s recent commitment to improving his dunking skills.
“I really think it is great for him,”
Mosley commented. “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,”
Mosley added.
Balancing Legacy and Personal Goals at All-Star Weekend
As the Magic take a break from the regular season to regroup for the final stretch, Richardson will be representing Orlando on the West Coast, seeking to live up to the high bar set by his father. While aware that his skill set may differ from Jason Richardson’s historic performances, Jase embraces the chance to enjoy the moment and compete.
“I don’t know if I have the same amount of stuff he had,”
Richardson reflected about his father.
“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.”
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. How he performs will be closely watched by audiences eager to see if he can carve out his own niche or even win the title in his debut.
i guess 😂🤷🏾♂️ https://t.co/uDkgJZl0M6
— Jase Richardson (@JaseRich4) February 7, 2026
