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The Orlando Magic have re-signed free agent guard-forward Jason Richardson, President of Basketball Operations/General Manager Otis Smith announced today. We’ll post contract details later today on this page.
Richardson (6’6”, 225, 1/20/81) played and started in 80 games last season with both Phoenix and Orlando, averaging 15.6 ppg., 4.1 rpg., 1.8 apg. and 1.16 stlpg. in 33.9 minpg., while shooting .395 (189-479) from three-point range. He was acquired by the Magic on December 18, 2010 from Phoenix, along with Earl Clark and Hedo Turkoglu, in a six-player trade. With the Magic, Richardson appeared and started in 55 games, averaging 13.9 ppg., 4.0 rpg., 2.0 apg. and 1.20 stlpg. in 34.9 minpg. He also played in five playoff outings, averaging 10.0 ppg., 4.0 rpg. and 1.2 apg. in 30.6 minpg.
Richardson ranked second in the NBA in both three-point field goals made and attempted, 13th in steals-to-turnover ratio (0.98, 93/95), tied for 32nd in steals and tied for 37th in three-point field goal percentage.
“Jason (Richardson) is a tremendous competitor who is great in the open floor and can drain the three-point shot,” said Smith. “We are very happy to have him back in a Magic uniform.”
Originally selected in the first round (fifth overall) of the 2001 NBA Draft by Golden State, Richardson has appeared in 751 career NBA regular season games with Golden State, Charlotte, Phoenix and Orlando, averaging 18.0 ppg., 5.1 rpg., 2.8 apg. and 1.18 stlpg. in 35.0 minpg. He has shot .373 (1,418-3,804) from three-point range during his career. Richardson has also played in 32 career playoff outings, averaging 18.0 ppg., 5.7 rpg., 1.4 apg. and 1.06 stlpg. in 34.8 minpg., while shooting .409 (85-208) from three-point range. He was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2001-02, claimed the NBA Slam Dunk championship in 2002 and 2003, while also being named MVP of the Rookie Challenge in 2002.
