Jason Richardson
An electric high-flyer who won back-to-back NBA Slam Dunk Contest titles and evolved into a feared three-point marksman over a 14-year career.
Born 1981 (age 45)·American basketball player·Birthday: January 20·Millennials
Biography
Jason Richardson announced himself to the basketball world with breathtaking aerial theatrics, capturing the NBA Slam Dunk Contest crown in 2002 and 2003 with a combination of power and creativity that revived the event's excitement. Drafted fifth overall by the Golden State Warriors in 2001, the Michigan State product was more than just a dunker; he was a explosive scoring guard capable of lighting up the box score. As his career progressed with stints in Charlotte, Phoenix, Orlando, and Philadelphia, Richardson masterfully transformed his game. He evolved from a pure athlete into a reliable and prolific three-point shooter, often serving as a crucial floor-spacer for his teams. This adaptability allowed him to sustain a 14-season NBA journey, leaving a legacy as one of the most exciting and resilient two-way guards of his era.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Jason was born in 1981, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Jason Was Born
The biggest hits of 1981
#1 Movie
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Best Picture
Chariots of Fire
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Jason's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1981Born
MTV launches; first Space Shuttle flight; AIDS identified
Gas: $1.31/galHome: $52,300Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Bette Davis Eyes" — Kim CarnesBest Picture: Chariots of Fire
1986Started school
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1994Became a teenager
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1997Could drive
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
1999Could vote
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Turned 21
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2011Turned 30
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2021Turned 40
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 45 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest in consecutive years (2002 and 2003).
- Played 14 seasons in the NBA for six different franchises, including the Golden State Warriors and Phoenix Suns.
- Averaged over 18 points per game in four separate seasons during his prime.
- Was a key starter for the 2010 Phoenix Suns team that reached the Western Conference Finals.
Did You Know?
He was a key member of the Michigan State Spartans team that won the NCAA National Championship in 2000.
He led the NBA in three-pointers made during the 2007-08 season with the Charlotte Bobcats.
He and his Michigan State teammate Zach Randolph were both drafted in the first round of the 2001 NBA Draft.
He wore jersey number 23 for most of his career as a tribute to Michael Jordan.
“Winning the dunk contest was about bringing showmanship back to the league.”
