The hobby world first took note of Jason Richardson when he won back-to-back NBA Slam Dunk Contests. Now as co-captain of the young and exciting Golden State Warriors, J-Rich is hoping people recognize him for his all-around game.
Basketball fans always love great dunkers, so it was no surprise when Richardson's cards first heated up on the strength of his All-Star Weekend exploits. To stay hot though, NBA players have to demonstrate more than just the ability to jam, as basketball card history is full of examples (Harold Miner comes to mind) of guys who just couldn't play the game.
Richardson is certainly more than just a dunking machine, but for someone accustomed to winning - he was a member of Michigan State's 2000 national championship team as a college freshman - he has to adjust to taking his lumps as a Warrior. While his scoring average increased in each of his first five NBA seasons, his team was mired in mediocrity.
That finally changed during the 2006-07 season. While Richardson battled injuries and his personal numbers took a step back, the Warriors took flight under coach Don Nelson. A midseason trade that added Stephen Jackson and Al Harrington helped propel Golden State into the playoffs for the first time in 13 years, and Richardson played a big role in the team's historic upset of the top-seeded Dallas Mavericks.
Because of his earlier taste of the hobby limelight and a relatively weak 2001-02 rookie class, Richardson's 36 rookie cards don't have as much upside as those of some of his teammates. Still, anyone who knows how rabid the Warriors' fans are can tell you that their support will only grow stronger if the team turns into a contender, and that will certainly benefit Richardson as well. Aside from the usual autographed jersey cards like his SPx # 108, J-Rich has the truly unique Upper Deck Inspirations # 140, a card with player-worn jersey swatches from him and an even more famous number 23, Michael Jordan.
Jason Richardson 2001-02 Rookie Cards
- E-X # 112 - #'d to 750
- Flair # 106 - #'d to 1500
- Fleer Authentix # 122 - #'d to 1250
- Fleer Exclusive # 136 - #'d to 388
- Fleer Focus # 123 - #'d to 1850
- Fleer Force # 105 - #'d to 999
- Fleer Genuine # 125
- Fleer Marquee # 104 - #'d to 1500
- Fleer Maximum # 185 - #'d to 1000
- Fleer Platinum # 231
- Fleer Premium # 169 - #'d to 1500
- Fleer Shoebox # 170 - #'d to 2500
- Fleer Showcase # 98 - #'d to 1000
- Hoops Hot Prospects # 85 - jersey card #'d to 300
- SP Authentic # 137 - autographed, #'d to 700
- SPx # 108 - autographed jersey card w/ 3 versions each #'d to 250
- Stadium Club # 105
- Topps # 225
- Topps Chrome # 133
- Topps Heritage # 59
- Topps High Topps # 154 - #'d to 1500
- Topps Pristine # 69
- Topps TCC # 122
- Topps Xpectations # 105 - #'d to 250
- Ultimate Collection # 87 - autographed, #'d to 250
- Ultra # 155 - #'d to 2222
- Upper Deck # 217
- Upper Deck Flight Team # 139 - 3 versions each #'d to 250
- Upper Deck Hardcourt # 117 - 3 versions each #'d to 300
- Upper Deck Inspirations # 140 - dual jersey card with Michael Jordan #'d to 275
- Upper Deck Legends # 128 - #'d to 500
- Upper Deck MVP # 209
- Upper Deck Ovation # 117 - 3 versions each #'d to 250
- Upper Deck Playmakers # 141 - #'d to 999
- Upper Deck Pros and Prospects # 128 - #'d to 350
- Upper Deck Sweet Shot # 118 - #'d to 600