Jason Richardson has announced his retirement from basketball, according to his Twitter and Instagram accounts. The 6-6 swingman is still just 34 years old, but he has only played in 52 games the past three seasons due to multiple injuries. Richardson played in Golden State, Charlotte, Phoenix, Orlando, and Philadelphia during his 14 year NBA career. In his Instagram post, Richardson cites health and time with his family as the two main reasons he has decided to walk away from the NBA.
After winning the 2000 NCAA Championship as a Michigan State Spartan, Jason Richardson was drafted 5th overall by the Golden State Warriors in the 2001 NBA Draft. He proceeded to make the NBA All-Rookie First Team in his first season before winning MVP of the NBA Rookie Challenge as a sophomore the following season. Richardson was well known for his ability to finish above the rim, and he certainly proved that on the All-Star Weekend stage, winning back to back slam dunk contests in 2002 and 2003.
It’s unfortunate that such a talented shooter and dunker had such a disappointing end to his career, as Richardson’s left knee limited his ability to produce during the few times he he was even on the court. He missed all of the 2013-14 season due to injury. Before getting the reputation of a banged up veteran, J-Rich was an electrifying dunker who could score at ease. Richardson, a career 17 point per game scorer, had his best year in 2006 when he averaged 23 points per game as a member of the Golden State Warriors. With 1,608 career three pointers, Richardson currently sits 16th on the all time list for three pointers made.
Even though he never made an All-Star team, Jason Richardson had a remarkable NBA career highlighted by his back to back slam dunk contest titles. After 14 memorable years, Jason Richardson has decided to retire from the NBA.
