Round 3, Pick 6: Jason Richardson, SG, Golden State Warriors

Don Nelson is back as the head coach of the Golden State Warriors and he’ll bring the Run & Gun style that he established with the Dallas Mavericks. There are thoughts (and hopes) that Baron Davis will thrive under Coach Nelson since Davis excels at the transition game, but the big winner will be Jason Richardson. The former back to back (’02-’03) slam dunk champion will thrive in the open court offense and will surely add a few more highlight reel dunks this season.

I’m telling you, J-Rich will set career highs in points this season under Coach Nelson.

Richardson led the Warriors last year in scoring with 23.2 points per game. J-Rich’s scoring average has increased each year like Dropping Dimes’ weekly hits! In his rookie season of ’01-’02 his scoring average was 14.4 points/game and subsequent years his average increased to 15.6, 18.7, 21.7, and culminating at the aforementioned 23.2. You can expect the scoring trend to continue as Richarson can potentially average 25+ points/game with a FG% around his last two seasons’ at 44.6%.

Like the Oakland A’s Frank Thomas, J-Rich digs the long ball; last year he increased his 3 pointers made to 2.4 per game at a respectable 38.4% clip (‘04-’05: 1.7 3ptm at 33.8%), which was good enough for 7th in the NBA for 3 pointers made. J-Rich was #1 amongst the two spots in rebounds with 5.8 per game, so the boy can not only bomb, but he can board too. Richardson is also a decent pickpocket amongst shooting guards swiping 1.3 steals per game.

J-Rich does need to work on his FT% as it was 67.3% while averaging 5.5 trips to the line. Richardson’s FT% was as high as 76.4% in ‘02-’03 and since then it has dropped like a sacked Oakland Raiders QB. Head-to-Head owners may be able to hide this weakness, but Roto owners may need to team him up with more efficient team members from the charity stripe.

Bottom Line

If you compare Kobe Bryant’s numbers to J-Rich’s numbers last year, other than FT% and points you will see many similarities.

Kobe Bryant

35.4 points @ 45%, 2.3 3-pointers made @ 34.8%, 10.2 FT attempts @ 85%, 5.3 boards, 4.5 assists and 1.8 steals.

Jason Richardson

23.2 points @ 44.6%, 2.4 3-pointers made @ 38.4%, 6.5 FT attempts @ 67.3%, 5.8 boards, 3.1 assists and 1.3 steals.

You can call Richardson “Kobe-Lite” and, get this, J-Rich will be available at a cheaper rate two rounds later! Keep an eye on him in your 3rd round of your draft and cash in on a career year from J-Rich!

Team Review:
Dwyane Wade, Jermaine O’Neal, and Jason Richard make up a decent rebounding team. J-Rich adds a needed 3-point element to the team. Scoring is not a problem for this squad. However, this team will eed to keep an eye for a player to help with the hustle stats (steals & blocks).

Other team members

1.6. Dwyane Wade, PG/SG, Miami Heat
2.7. Jermaine O’Neal, PF/C, Indiana Pacers