To many, Jason Richardson was the “other player” acquired in the blockbuster trade for Andrew Bynum.
The Sixers don’t view it quite like that. The players believe it was a steal.
“When I heard we got Richardson, I was like, ‘Man, that’s amazing,'” said guard Evan Turner. “The guy can flat-out shoot. He’s one of the best of all-time. How can you not like that addition? I think we all agree that made the Bynum trade even sweeter. We’re psyched for the added outside threat.”
The 6-foot-6 Richardson was the fifth overall pick by Golden State in 2001. Through the years, he has averaged 17.5 points per game while shooting 37.2-percent from beyond the arc.
From 2004-05 until now, Richardson has drained the second-most 3-pointers of any player in the league (1,238), trailing only Ray Allen (1,441).
Richardson had a career-best 243 treys for Charlotte in 2007-08, the fourth-most by any player in a single season.
Plain and simple, he can shoot the rock.
“J-Rich is amazing because he’ll knock down 20, 25 threes in a row and I’ve seen it,” said Spencer Hawes. “He has incredible form and he’s a major asset for our team.”
Richardson was thrilled to join an up-and-coming team such as the Sixers, who were one game removed from a trip to the Eastern Conference finals last season.
“I want to help in any way I can,” Richardson said. “I like what the coaching staff does and how they work. They know what I can do and I know what they’re looking for. I’m very excited to be here with this group of guys. The way I looked at the trade was this: I was very happy to be coming to Philadelphia. I saw what they accomplished last season. They have a plan and they’re following through. It’s great to be a piece of the pie here.”
