Jase Richardson Steps Into Slam Dunk Contest Spotlight, Carrying a Legacy of Flight
When Jase Richardson takes center stage at this year’s Slam Dunk Contest, he won’t just be trying to win a trophy-he’ll be stepping into a legacy built above the rim.
Let’s start with the obvious: his last name carries weight. His father, Jason Richardson, is a two-time Slam Dunk Contest champion and one of the most electric performers the event has ever seen. Back when the Dunk Contest was losing its luster, Jason helped bring it back to life with a mix of creativity, power, and flair that still holds up in highlight reels today.
Now, it’s Jase’s turn. He’s not claiming to be the best dunker in his own family-he’s said as much-but he’s ready to give it a go. And if you ask his teammates, they’ll tell you: he’s got some serious bounce and the potential to put on a show.
But this isn’t just about family ties. Jase Richardson is also stepping into a tradition that runs deep in Orlando.
The Magic have a long history of Dunk Contest moments-some unforgettable, others… well, let’s just say not every attempt sticks the landing. Still, there’s no denying Orlando’s footprint on the event.
From Otis Smith in 1991 to Nick Anderson in ’92, Darrell Armstrong in ’96, and the Superman theatrics of Dwight Howard in the late 2000s, the Magic have always had someone ready to rise to the occasion. More recently, Cole Anthony brought out the Timberlands in 2022, and Mac McClung-though technically a G-League affiliate player-won back-to-back contests in 2024 and 2025 wearing a Magic jersey.
But if we’re talking about Dunk Contest royalty in Orlando, the conversation begins and ends with Aaron Gordon.
The Night That Changed Everything
It’s been 10 years since Gordon’s legendary showdown with Zach LaVine in 2016-a contest that didn’t just revive the event, it redefined it.
LaVine brought the smooth, effortless athleticism. His dunks were clean, high-flying, and pure. He glided from the free-throw line like it was a layup and made mid-air acrobatics look routine.
Gordon, on the other hand, was the artist. He turned the Dunk Contest into performance art.
He didn’t just dunk-he crafted moments. His most iconic slam?
The one where he leapt over the Magic’s mascot STUFF, legs parallel to the floor, switching hands under his legs while essentially sitting in mid-air. It was part creativity, part power, and all-time greatness.
That dunk instantly joined the pantheon: Jordan’s free-throw line leap, Vince Carter’s honey-dip, Spud Webb’s 360. It was that good.
And Gordon wasn’t a one-dunk wonder that night. He had the full package-grabbing the ball from a spinning STUFF, a one-handed windmill off a lob, and more.
Every dunk had a story. Every takeoff had a purpose.
It was a night that reminded fans why the Dunk Contest matters.
LaVine may have walked away with the trophy, but Gordon walked away with the people’s respect-and a permanent place in dunking lore.
Chasing That Magic Again
Gordon gave it another go in 2017, this time trying to catch a lob from a drone. It didn’t quite work out. The props got in the way of the performance, and the magic just wasn’t there.
He was set to return in 2018 but had to pull out with a hamstring injury. That year ended up being the last All-Star Weekend without any Magic representation.
Then came 2020. Gordon was back, and so was the drama.
In another instant classic, he went toe-to-toe with Derrick Jones Jr. and once again delivered a performance worthy of a title. His final regulation dunk-a spinning one-hander off a lob from the side of the backboard-was as clean as it was difficult.
In the tiebreaker round, he tried to seal the win with a dunk over 7-foot-5 Tacko Fall. It was jaw-dropping.
It was bold. It was enough… or at least, it should’ve been.
But the judges-most notably Dwyane Wade-disagreed. Gordon got a 9, not a 10, and once again walked away without the trophy.
Two all-time performances. Zero trophies. But in the eyes of fans, Gordon had already cemented his place in Dunk Contest history.
From Star Aspirations to Perfect Fit
Gordon’s journey didn’t stop at All-Star Weekend. After years of being asked to carry the load in Orlando, the Magic made the call to trade him at the 2021 deadline. He landed in Denver, where he found the perfect role alongside Nikola Jokic.
No longer asked to be the guy, Gordon became the right guy. A defensive anchor, a transition threat, a glue guy with elite athleticism.
He helped the Nuggets win the 2023 NBA championship and earned the nickname “Mr. Nugget” for his heart-and-soul contributions.
He found his lane-and he’s thriving in it.
Meanwhile, the Magic have been building something of their own. They’ve become a consistent playoff team, with a young core that’s growing into something special. They’re not quite in the contender tier yet, but they’re knocking on the door.
And now, they’re looking to continue their high-flying tradition in the Dunk Contest.
Passing the Torch
This weekend, it’s Jase Richardson’s turn to carry the torch-both for his family and for the Magic.
He’s not expected to recreate Gordon’s magic or his father’s championship runs. But that’s not the point.
The Dunk Contest is about moments. It’s about creativity, confidence, and the willingness to take flight when the lights are brightest.
We’ve seen what this contest can be when everything clicks. Ten years ago, Gordon and LaVine gave us a night for the ages. And every year since, fans have tuned in hoping to feel that same spark again.
Maybe-just maybe-Jase Richardson is the one to bring it back.