Orlando Magic Prepare for NBA Summer League: Why Jase Richardson Has a Golden Opportunity
The Orlando Magic are headed to Las Vegas for the NBA Summer League, and while several new faces will make their debut, one returning player may have the most to prove.
Second-year guard Jase Richardson headlines Orlando’s Summer League roster alongside Noah Penda and No. 51 overall pick Izaiyah Nelson.
D.J. Bakker will serve as the Magic’s Summer League head coach as Orlando opens play July 9.
The Magic’s Summer League schedule is as follows:
- July 9: vs. Charlotte, 7:30 p.m. ET (Prime)
- July 11: vs. Miami, 3:30 p.m. ET (Prime)
- July 12: vs. Portland, 7 p.m. ET (ESPNU)
- July 15: vs. Philadelphia, 4 p.m. ET (ESPNU)
- Fifth game: To be announced
While fans will get their first extended look at Penda and Nelson, this summer is especially important for Richardson.
The former first-round pick spent much of his rookie season learning behind one of the NBA’s deepest backcourts. He appeared in 54 games and averaged 4.4 points per game. His efficient scoring and ability to knock down better than 35% of his 3-point attempts showcased what made him such an intriguing prospect coming out of Michigan State.
Now comes Year 2.
With Summer League providing extended minutes and more on-ball opportunities, Richardson has a chance to answer one of the biggest questions surrounding his development: Can he develop into a reliable NBA point guard?
Summer League gives Richardson the perfect stage to demonstrate improved playmaking, decision-making and leadership while serving as one of the roster’s returning NBA players.
“The main thing they’re emphasizing is being a leader,” Richardson said. “Being the most vocal guy in here, especially at the point guard position. Help the other guys out and make sure my voice is being heard both offensively and defensively.”
Richardson will not be the only player to keep an eye on.
Orlando’s Summer League roster features plenty of explosive talent, including Keon Johnson, who still owns the highest vertical leap ever recorded at the NBA Draft Combine at 48 inches. The roster also includes Ricky Council IV, Cam Reddish, Lester Quinones, Phillip Wheeler and several other intriguing prospects. It has the potential to be one of the most entertaining Summer League teams in Las Vegas.
For the Magic, wins in July are not the priority. Player development is.
No player may have more riding on these next few games than Richardson. If he can show he’s ready to organize the offense while maintaining the efficient scoring touch he displayed as a rookie, he’ll position himself for a significantly larger role entering the upcoming season.
Orlando Magic Summer League 2026 roster
- DJ Armstrong Jr. — No. 10 — Guard
- Will Baker — No. 45 — Center
- Ace Baldwin Jr. — No. 12 — Guard
- Colin Castleton — No. 14 — Center
- Ricky Council IV — No. 7 — Guard
- Johnell Davis — No. 28 — Guard
- CJ Elleby — No. 18 — Forward
- Tre Holloman — No. 16 — Guard
- Keon Johnson — No. 17 — Guard
- Alex Morales — No. 30 — Forward
- Izaiyah Nelson — No. 25 — Forward
- Noah Penda — No. 93 — Forward
- Lester Quinones — No. 24 — Guard
- Cam Reddish — No. 33 — Forward
- Malik Reneau — No. 42 — Forward
- Jase Richardson — No. 11 — Guard
- Mike Sharavjamts — No. 44 — Forward
- Au’Diese Toney — No. 43 — Guard
- TyTy Washington Jr. — No. 15 — Guard
- Phillip Wheeler — No. 20 — Forward
WRITTEN BY: OLIVIA BROOKS
