With the news that Jason Richardson would be retiring, which he announced Wednesday on Instagram, most of the NBA community paid its respect to the early departure of one of the greatest dunkers the game has ever seen.
But even though he was mostly known for his time with the Golden State Warriors, J-Rich spent part of three memorable seasons with the Phoenix Suns, averaging 16.5 points and 4.8 rebounds per game on .478/.394/.758 shooting splits in 162 games for the team.
ALSO ON VALLEY OF THE SUNS: Goran Dragic’s Top 10 Moments With The Suns
In 2008, the Suns traded Boris Diaw, Raja Bell and Sean Singletary to the Charlotte Bobcats in exchange for Richardson, Jared Dudley and a 2010 second round pick (used on Gani Lawal). Little did they know they’d be giving Phoenix one more shot at a title during the Steve Nash era.
More from Suns News
- Ranking the Phoenix Suns’ 5 holiday games in 2023-24
- Zion Williamson gets compared to Phoenix Suns legend
- Suns player preview: Bol Bol can be the perfect role player
- Former Suns’ guard shows he is officially done with Phoenix
- NBA insider guarantees Suns’ rival won’t make blockbuster trade
With J-Rich supporting Nash in the backcourt, an underrated Grant Hill staying healthy, Amar’e Stoudemire and Robin Lopez down low and a surprisingly deep bench, the 2009-10 Suns took the league by storm to give their two-time MVP one last shot at a championship.
As we all know, the Suns would fall short, much like Jason Richardson’s time with the team was short. But chalking up J-Rich’s time in Phoenix to a couple of highlight dunks and one bad memory (we’ll get to that) and then calling it a day would be a disservice to a player who thrilled the home crowd with his three-point shooting, his surprising consistency even as he entered his 30s, and yes, his high-flying dunks.
In that spirit, here’s a look back on Jason Richardson’s top five moments with the Phoenix Suns.
Next: No. 5