Jase Richardson Brings Family Legacy to Life in 2026 Dunk Contest
NBA All-Star Weekend always delivers its share of high-flying theatrics, but for Orlando Magic guard Jase Richardson, this year’s Dunk Contest wasn’t just about hang time-it was about heritage.
Stepping into the spotlight of one of the league’s most iconic events, Richardson brought more than just bounce to the hardwood. He brought a name that already echoes in dunk contest lore. His father, Jason Richardson, didn’t just participate in the early 2000s-he dominated, winning back-to-back titles in 2002 and 2003 and setting a standard for creativity and power above the rim.
Jase didn’t walk away with the trophy this time, but he wasn’t chasing his father’s shadow. He was carving out his own moment.
“Nah, I think for me, I'm trying to steer away from that,” Jase said when asked about honoring his father. “I just want to do the contest and try to make it my own thing instead of everything having to do with my father.
So I just wanted to come out here, have a good time. I did.
That's all that matters.”
That mindset says a lot about where Jase is in his journey. Yes, the family name carries weight.
But he’s not trying to replicate history-he’s trying to write his own chapter. And that means embracing the moment, connecting with fans, and enjoying the ride.
Still, the connection to his dad is impossible to ignore-and Jase isn’t trying to hide it. Sharing the All-Star stage while wearing the same jersey his father once did? That’s special.
“To share that moment with my dad, to play for the same team, it's always special,” he said. “But just enjoying it.
Love this team, love the city. So I've been enjoying it.
We won the last three-or last two technically-but need to bring another one back to Orlando.”
While he didn’t enter the contest as a favorite, Jase came prepared. He leaned on the family brain trust-his father and younger brother, both known for their vertical gifts-for ideas and inspiration.
“That's one thing that's always hard about this competition-you've already basically seen everything,” he said. “I mean, I think after Aaron Gordon and Zach LaVine, there's not a lot you can do now.
But I got two jumpers in the family-my little brother and my dad. Just talked to them, tried to pick their brains, and they gave me some creative things.”
That’s the challenge of today’s dunk contest: how do you surprise a crowd that’s seen it all? For Jase, the answer was to keep it personal, lean into the moment, and enjoy every second.
“This is something I've always imagined being a part of, and I was just blessed to be here.”
But this wasn’t just about a few dunks under the bright lights. This was a full-circle moment for a father and son who’ve shared the game in driveways and gyms long before the NBA spotlight came calling.
“Middle school, we played a lot,” Jase recalled. “I couldn't win in middle school, but then my freshman year I think I beat him.
He never gives me credit for it. He said he was taking it easy.
He was playing super hard though.”
That one-on-one win might still be up for debate in the Richardson household, but one thing’s clear: the competitive fire runs deep-and so does the bond.
“We haven't played since then. I think since that moment he realized he can't guard me anymore.
He's getting a little bit older. So I don't think there's going to be another one-on-one game again.
He comes home, he needs ice on his knees, a hot pack, some Icy Hot. Hopefully we can get him a couple things so we can play again.”
Jase Richardson didn’t need to win the dunk contest to make a statement. Just being there, throwing down in front of the league and alongside his family, was enough. It was a nod to the past, a glimpse of the future, and a reminder that legacies aren’t just inherited-they’re built, one dunk at a time.