Basic scouting history/laws would suggest there isn’t an obvious path to upside for a 6’3″ guard that’s not a primary ball-handler or playmaker. On paper, Jase Richardson lacks advantageous size to match up against NBA 2-guards and considerable playmaking tape/assists to buy a point guard (although we should really get rid of the term point guard and just use the term primary playmaker). He played with the five-star Boozer brothers in high school, and now he shares the ball with Jaden Adkins and Jeremy Fears at MSU.
Richardson has actually looked more competent creating for himself than he’s given credit for. His role, which has him spotting up 31% of the time, masks some of his ball-handling and separation ability. A .398 free-throw rate is notably higher than projected top-10 scoring guards like Ace Bailey and Tre Johnson.
I also think we nitpick inches and overstate the importance of one-on-one creation.
Would there be a lot more love for Richardson if he was 6’4″ instead of 6’3″? I can’t get myself to put much stock into that inch, even if 6’4″ is a more common/comforting measurement based on tradition for the position.
And there are so many other micro skills and different ways to earn good looks. Sometimes just finding space to step into a pull-up (in transition, attacking closeouts, off ball screens) is a form of self-creation, even if it’s not off any fancy dribbling moves. Richardson happens to be an excellent shooter off the dribble (48%) on decent volume. Part of that accuracy can be tied to how well he picks the right spots and finds that open space to stop and pop.
He’s displayed the right pull-up, floater and pacing for ball-screen scoring. He’s been arguably more impressive at finishing in the paint, making 74% of his layups (ranks #1 among guards among prospects I have getting drafted).
The finishing really does help compensate for any lack of creation. It reduces his need to create a large amount of space. On drives, he shows some unteachable stuff, like anticipating contact and using it to bounce off and separate. He’s got touch shots over shot blockers. He knows what’s the best route (both on the ground and in air) to take to the open space around the rim.
Most teams will probably slide Richardson into the high-floor, low-ceiling category. The high floor is propped up by easy-fit off-ball scoring efficiency, drilling catch-and-shoot 3s (he’s made 46% of them), picking the right spots to attack closeouts, being a mistake-free player who doesn’t force much or turn the ball over. 66% true shooting and 9.8 turnover percentage highlight ultra efficiency for a freshman. Since high school he was always the classic “he knows how to play” guy.
Even if he’s not the most prolific playmaker, he’s an excellent decision-making, and that will translate to good looks for teammates and more assists, especially if I’m right about Richardson possessing more creation than he’s able to currently show. I think he has enough shake/wiggle and off-the-dribble shotmaking for such an efficient off-ball shooter, play-finisher and opportunistic scorer to score at an NBA starter level.
jwscouting.com 