Jason Richardson Announces Retirement
2 times-NBA Slam Dunk Contest Champion, Jason Richardson, had officially retired from the NBA after 14 seasons.
Richardson, 34, announced the news on his Instagram and linked it to his Twitter as well, earlier today.
The former Michigan State Spartan was drafted 5th overall in 2001 by Golden State Warriors. Richardson won NCAA title with The Spartans in 2000, before he declared himself to play in the NBA.
The 6'6 shooting guard played for 5 different teams during his tenure in the NBA; Warriors, Charlotte Bobcats, Phoenix Suns, Orlando Magic and recently, Philadelphia 76ers. During his 14 seasons, Richardson averaged 17.1 points, 2.7 assists, and 5.0 rebounds.
However, it was reported that in mid-August, Atlanta Hawks had signed Richardson in a non-guaranteed deal, but the player himself decided to call it a day after having an MRI scan and apparently revealing a bone spurs, about a month after Hawks signed him.
The Saginaw, Michigan native is well known for his dunking ability and also a sharpshooter. Richardson, in fact, is one of three players who had won the Slam Dunk Contest back to back, besides Michael Jordan and Nate Robinson, as he had won it in 2002 and 2003.