NBA All-Star Saturday night just got a jolt of excitement-especially for Michigan State fans. Jase Richardson, the former Spartans standout and current Orlando Magic rookie, is officially in the 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest.
And if the name sounds familiar, it should. Jase is looking to add a third dunk contest trophy to the family legacy-his father, Jason Richardson, famously won back-to-back titles in 2002 and 2003.
Now it’s Jase’s turn to fly.
The rookie guard is in the middle of his first NBA season, carving out a role with the Magic after being taken 25th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft. Through 36 appearances, he’s averaging 5.1 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game while shooting an efficient 46.9% from the field. Those numbers don’t jump off the page, but Richardson has shown flashes-especially in transition-of the kind of athleticism that made his father a dunk contest legend.
He’ll be joining a dynamic group of high-flyers in this year’s contest: Carter Bryant of the San Antonio Spurs, Jay Huff of the Indiana Pacers, and Keshad Johnson of the Miami Heat. The stage is set at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, on Saturday, February 14.
The format is straightforward but leaves no room for error. Each participant will get two dunks in the opening round.
The top scorers from that round will advance to the finals, where they’ll throw down two more dunks. Best combined score in the final round takes home the trophy.
For Jase, this isn’t just about putting on a show-it’s about honoring a legacy. His father’s dunk contest performances are still talked about today, from the off-the-backboard windmills to the iconic between-the-legs reverse. If Jase can channel even a fraction of that flair, we’re in for a treat.
But make no mistake-this isn’t about living in his dad’s shadow. Jase Richardson has been carving his own path since his college days at Michigan State. Now, on one of the NBA’s biggest stages, he has a chance to make a name for himself in a contest built for the bold.
So circle the date. The Slam Dunk Contest is always a highlight, but with a Richardson back in the mix, it just got a whole lot more compelling.