Sixers player evaluation: Jason Richardson

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Over the next couple of weeks we will evaluate the Sixers' roster following the 18-64 season. Up next is Jason Richardson.

Position: Guard

Status: Unrestricted free agent

Signature game of 2014-15
Jason Richardson didn’t play his first game of the season until late February. In his sixth game, Richardson had a season-high 29 points in 35 minutes of work in an overtime loss at Oklahoma City. He made eight of his 19 shots, including four of nine three-pointers. He was a perfect 9 for 9 from the line that night, and he added six rebounds, three assists and a steal.

Richardson in 2014-15
It was a long comeback for Richardson. Before this season, the last time he played was Jan. 18, 2013. Richardson had cartilage damage in his left knee that led to surgery. He also had a stress fracture in his right foot. He was out for so long that, when he returned, he joked that his teammates had to Google him.

While he was still on the mend, Richardson appeared at Media Day. He looked like a guy in his mid-30s who hadn’t played basketball (or kept in shape). That he made a comeback at all was impressive and a little unexpected. He’s made plenty of money. He could have cashed out and retired. He didn’t.

Richardson appeared in 19 games. He averaged 21.9 minutes, 9.1 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists. He took 5.1 three-pointers per game and made 32.3 percent, down from 37 percent for his career. He was rusty, but he also showed that he might have another season left at around 15-20 minutes per game.

Prospectus
Richardson is 34. He’ll be 35 before next season is over. That’s not old in real life, but it is old for the NBA — as his teammates gleefully reminded him. Richardson is a long way from being the hyper-athletic dunk champion he was back in the day.

Richardson, who was acquired in the Andrew Bynum deal back in the summer of 2012, said he was motivated to return to prove to himself and the league that he’s not done yet. He said he “definitely” wants to play beyond this year. Good for him. He’s well-liked by players, coaches and the media. He’s a true professional. But it’s hard to imagine him being on the roster next year. The Sixers are in the midst of a rebuild that’s anchored by youth. Richardson wants to win now as his career funnels toward its conclusion. Probably time for everyone to move on.

On Jason Richardson …
“I’m toward the end of my career. I'm in the twilight years, so I definitely want to win. But being here with these young guys, it gave me a newfound happiness about basketball. I just love the game all over again, seeing their dedication every day in practice, working hard, keeping their heads up.”

- Jason Richardson

“I had our video guy make a tape of Jason Richardson and I showed it to our young guys. It was a four-minute tape. I said I hoped you guys understand who is in this room."

- Brett Brown

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