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Top 10 Moments Of Jason Richardson’s NBA Career

By Gerald Bourguet

Apr 8, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Jason Richardson (23) shoots the ball before a game against the Washington Wizards at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Jason Richardson (23) shoots the ball before a game against the Washington Wizards at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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2. The “We Believe!” Warriors

Following the 2005-06 season, the Golden State Warriors had missed the playoffs for the 12th season in a row. Richardson had been with the Dubs since they drafted him in 2001, and the discontent was growing for players and fans alike. It was an ugly situation.

But rather than stand by and let it happen, Richardson took action, taking out a full page ad to apologize to the fans, saying:

"“Night after night, you brought unwavering support and passion to the Arena in Oakland. Regrettably, we just didn’t get it done for you. We are committed to doing whatever it takes this summer to make the 2006/07 season one that you can be proud of. We truly appreciate you and thank you, the best fans in professional sports.”"

The ad had the signatures of every player on the roster. It was a nice and unnecessary gesture, to be sure, but no one knew those words would become prophecy when the “We Believe” Warriors made the playoffs for the first time in 13 years the following season. But that Warriors team didn’t stop there.

Instead, the Dubs made history, becoming the first No. 8 seed in NBA history to beat a No. 1 seed in a seven-game series. Golden State lost their second round series against the Utah Jazz in five games, but they made good on Jason Richardson’s promise to the fans, giving the Bay Area a memorable season to feel good about.

Though he had a down season statistically that year, Richardson backed up his talk with a couple of big playoff performances. In Game 3, Richardson dropped 30 points (12-of-19 shooting) and eight rebounds in an 18-point trouncing that put the Dubs up 2-1 in the series.

The Warriors went on win the series in six games, knocking off the league MVP in the process. Jason Richardson didn’t carry the team to victory; it was absolutely a collective team effort. But when the “We Believe” Warriors pulled off the upset, it was the culmination of Richardson’s prophetic words the year before.

Next: No. 1

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