Former Blue Demon Richardson signs with Orlando Magic
Shaymus McLaughlin
Issue date: 7/15/10 Section: Sports
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The 3-point specialist spent last year with the Miami Heat, where he started 75 games and shot a career-high 39.7% from behind the three point line, while averaging 8.9 points and 4.9 rebounds.
"We have just as good a chance as Miami to win a championship this season," Richardson said at a Tuesday press conference from Orlando to announce the signing. "Maybe on paper [the Heat are favorites], but when I strap it on to go against them, I know they can be beat."
The Heat recently acquired LeBron James and Chris Bosh, something that Richardson said he took into consideration. However, Orlando's recent success and the chance to play with Dwight Howard - whose presence will allow Richardson to play more freely on offense and defense - ultimately swayed him.
"For 3-point shooting, it is going to give you a lot of open shots because he demands a lot of attention down there," he said. "From a defensive standpoint, this will probably be one of my favorite years to play because it allows me to be more aggressive and do some different things as far as pushing up on people and not worrying so much that if I do get beat, that there is going to be a dunk."
Richardson remains one of the Blue Demons' most prolific scorers of all-time, being the only player in school history to accumulate more than 1,000 points, 5,000 rebounds and 100 3-point field goals. He entered the NBA draft after his sophomore year in 2000 and was picked 18th by the Los Angeles Clippers.
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