J-Rich happy to be piece of Sixers pie this season

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.”