J-Rich Blog

Wow! What a game last night. We fought hard to steal that one out of Los Angeles but came up a bit short. That was the longest 3.8 seconds in my life. So now it’s win or go home time. We’re back in Phoenix on Saturday for game 6. Go Orange!
This year’s season has been the best I’ve ever had as a team. Everyone can remember the great times I had with the Golden State Warriors, especially the year we put it on Dallas and eliminated them. That was the greatest feeling in the world. No one expected us to win a single game and we were able to take out the team favored to win the Western conference.
This year with the Suns has been like no other year. It’s great playing Steve Nash and Amare Stoudemire. Steve is still one of the best guards in the league and Amare is finding ways to reinvent himself as a player every game. We’ve had such a great season and we’re having an even better post season!
I want to say thanks to all of our fans out there. You’re support has made this a great experience, an unbelievable one. Follow me on twitter @JRich23 or check out my new interactive foundation website (www.jasonrichardsonfoundation.org). I’ve been uploading video of my playoff experience so you guys can experience the magic with me. Keep your fingers crossed as we head into Saturday’s game.
Jrich 23 Gone

"SUN-tastic"!!!

What a difference a year makes.  Well, we did it!  After last years sub par performance, who would've believed that our season would start the way it has for us this year.  Our first road trip was electric.  The guys are really understanding what it takes to win.  We've put all personal agendas on the back burner in order to create something special.

It's funny, my grandmother used to always say families should always eat dinner together at the table.  I didn't quite understand why as a kid, but now I understand.  Me, Grant, Steve, and Amare decided to make sure the guys ate together for dinners while on the road.  (Thanks to all of our twitter followers who steered us in the right direction when asking for great restaurants on our road trip)  I learned so much about these great guys while we were sitting at the table.  We sat around the table, ate great food and shared openly with each other.  I learned more about these guys during those dinners than I had in an entire season sharing locker space and traveling together.  (Thanks Grandma, RIP. Another  lesson learned)

We are really doing our best to make sure we stay focused.  I know there's not a team in the league that can beat us if we're healthy, rested, and focused.  It was great to be able to give our fans something to get excited about.  The buzz in the air is awesome.  It reminds me of an old song by the Be Gees from back in the day "You Make Me Feel Like Dancing" lol.  I love this feeling and I don't ever want to end.  I'm so hungry for victory!

I was on NBA.com today and saw that they had the All Star Ballots posted already.  Fans are gearing up to vote for their favorite players.  (Wink! Wink!) lol I can't believe it's that time already.

Today I just took it easy around the house.  I did something that I don't do very much and that's cook.  Well, sort of.  I made turkey nachos (haven't eaten beef for over five years now.)  They turned out pretty good.  But I was recapping on the whole AI (Allen Iverson) situation.  I really hopes he comes back.  I don't want to see one of the guys I've always admired as one of basketballs greats go out like this.  He's a great player and I wish him the best on whatever decision he makes. 

Alright, gotta go.  I think I'm going to watch a movie and call it a night (Ali or maybe one of my favs "A Knight's Tale).  If you don't have a ticket to Wednesday's game, get one tomorrow.  It's our first game back home.  Should be Suntastic!!! lol

JRich23

Something to Blog About!!

Whew!  I'm so glad Sunday finally came.  It seemed like forever, just waiting for a chance to hit the hardwood.  I have really been anticipating the start of this season. We have a lot to prove; to our loyal fans, to the league and to ourselves.  We've been playing very well first three games and we're building camaraderie on this team.

I have a lot to prove.  To myself and the staff that brought me here.  Many have said that I've been a solid player that you can count on for 20+ points/game, but haven't really done anything special since 2002.  Well, that may be true to an extent, but this year will be different.  I've made a personal vow to myself that this year I was going to put everything I have on the court.

I'm going to give Steve (GM) exactly what he thought I would be able to bring to this team.  I'm so hungry for victory that I can smell it.  This is the year of "The Valley of Suns".  All of you fans that may have slipped away due to our poor performance over the years get ready.

We're coming out swinging and taking no prisoners!!!

We arrived in Miami today and did a team dinner.  Everyone is so focused.  Everyone is on board.  We are a team.   Funny thing though, I had a bit of deja vous today while leaving dinner tonight.  It's amazing how blessed we are in this profession.  When we don't succeed, we can come back the next year and get it right.  That's exactly what we plan to do.  As we continue building team chemistry and work out the rough spots, we're going to make things happen this year.

Thanks for all of your love and support.

Go Orange!  Go Green!! (MSU) lol

JRICH23

A Fresh Perspective

  Hey what's going on out there in Bloggersville, USA?  I know it's been some time since my last post but I've had a pretty eventful summer.  On May 7, I lost my grandmother, so I needed personal time with the family to work through the loss.  She was 85 years old and meant the world to me.  It took my entire family by surprise because she was very healthy and getting around like a woman half her age.  She was the matriarch of our family and was one of the most influential people in my life.  Everyone who's ever met her, fell in love with her. She was very grandmother-like but was real "hip" on the times.  Much Love to everyone for your prayers and acts of kindness.  I really appreciated them.  Especially those from my Suns and Bay area Families.  You guys are the best!  Love ya Gran.  Miss ya.

It's good to be back!  I was extremely busy this summer with my foundation.  I've been so blessed that I feel obligated to give back to communities that have given so much to me over the years.  My foundation, "The Jason Richardson foundation" is all about making a difference in the lives of young people.  Everything I do, they're represented in some shape or fashion.

This summer we fed a 1,000 families in need of food assistance, mentored, and raised money for agencies that impact inner city youth, like the United Way.  Thanks to all of those young people who worked so hard to make everything so successful.  You can see what I've been up to this summer on my website JRICH23.COM.  (Including photos of me, Chris Paul, and Stephon Curry at my basketball camp hosted during Tom Joyner's Family Reunion).

This season should be a good one.  Everyone is counting us out and really aren't expecting much from us, but we're going to show them how it goes down in the Valley of the Sun.  Grant, Steve, and myself have promised to give 110% and lay it all on the line.  We are going to catch a lot of people off guard.  Don't sleep on us!!!

We're working out really hard right now.  Everyone is beginning to gel together.  I'm glad because I didn't have an opportunity to do that last season as transplant.  I think last year we spent a lot of time adjusting to all of the changes that we didn't really get a chance to focus on the TEAM.  This year we're coming out as a team with a mission.  People sometimes overlook how change impacts the effectiveness of great teams, but it does.

I just wanted to get the cob-webs out and drop everyone a line.  I haven't forgotten about you, just putting things into perspective.

Until next Tuesday,

JRICH

A Fresh Perspective

  Hey what's going on out there in Bloggersville, USA?  I know it's been some time since my last post but I've had a pretty eventful summer.  On May 7, I lost my grandmother, so I needed personal time with the family to work through the loss.  She was 85 years old and meant the world to me.  It took my entire family by surprise because she was very healthy and getting around like a woman half her age.  She was the matriarch of our family and was one of the most influential people in my life.  Everyone who's ever met her, fell in love with her. She was very grandmother-like but was real "hip" on the times.  Much Love to everyone for your prayers and acts of kindness.  I really appreciated them.  Especially those from my Suns and Bay area Families.  You guys are the best!  Love ya Gran.  Miss ya.

It's good to be back!  I was extremely busy this summer with my foundation.  I've been so blessed that I feel obligated to give back to communities that have given so much to me over the years.  My foundation, "The Jason Richardson foundation" is all about making a difference in the lives of young people.  Everything I do, they're represented in some shape or fashion.

This summer we fed a 1,000 families in need of food assistance, mentored, and raised money for agencies that impact inner city youth, like the United Way.  Thanks to all of those young people who worked so hard to make everything so successful.  You can see what I've been up to this summer on my website JRICH23.COM.  (Including photos of me, Chris Paul, and Stephon Curry at my basketball camp hosted during Tom Joyner's Family Reunion).

This season should be a good one.  Everyone is counting us out and really aren't expecting much from us, but we're going to show them how it goes down in the Valley of the Sun.  Grant, Steve, and myself have promised to give 110% and lay it all on the line.  We are going to catch a lot of people off guard.  Don't sleep on us!!!

We're working out really hard right now.  Everyone is beginning to gel together.  I'm glad because I didn't have an opportunity to do that last season as transplant.  I think last year we spent a lot of time adjusting to all of the changes that we didn't really get a chance to focus on the TEAM.  This year we're coming out as a team with a mission.  People sometimes overlook how change impacts the effectiveness of great teams, but it does.

I just wanted to get the cob-webs out and drop everyone a line.  I haven't forgotten about you, just putting things into perspective.

Until next Tuesday,

JRICH

A Fresh Perspective

  Hey what's going on out there in Bloggersville, USA?  I know it's been some time since my last post but I've had a pretty eventful summer.  On May 7, I lost my grandmother, so I needed personal time with the family to work through the loss.  She was 85 years old and meant the world to me.  It took my entire family by surprise because she was very healthy and getting around like a woman half her age.  She was the matriarch of our family and was one of the most influential people in my life.  Everyone who's ever met her, fell in love with her. She was very grandmother-like but was real "hip" on the times.  Much Love to everyone for your prayers and acts of kindness.  I really appreciated them.  Especially those from my Suns and Bay area Families.  You guys are the best!  Love ya Gran.  Miss ya.

It's good to be back!  I was extremely busy this summer with my foundation.  I've been so blessed that I feel obligated to give back to communities that have given so much to me over the years.  My foundation, "The Jason Richardson foundation" is all about making a difference in the lives of young people.  Everything I do, they're represented in some shape or fashion.

This summer we fed a 1,000 families in need of food assistance, mentored, and raised money for agencies that impact inner city youth, like the United Way.  Thanks to all of those young people who worked so hard to make everything so successful.  You can see what I've been up to this summer on my website JRICH23.COM.  (Including photos of me, Chris Paul, and Stephon Curry at my basketball camp hosted during Tom Joyner's Family Reunion).

This season should be a good one.  Everyone is counting us out and really aren't expecting much from us, but we're going to show them how it goes down in the Valley of the Sun.  Grant, Steve, and myself have promised to give 110% and lay it all on the line.  We are going to catch a lot of people off guard.  Don't sleep on us!!!

We're working out really hard right now.  Everyone is beginning to gel together.  I'm glad because I didn't have an opportunity to do that last season as transplant.  I think last year we spent a lot of time adjusting to all of the changes that we didn't really get a chance to focus on the TEAM.  This year we're coming out as a team with a mission.  People sometimes overlook how change impacts the effectiveness of great teams, but it does.

I just wanted to get the cob-webs out and drop everyone a line.  I haven't forgotten about you, just putting things into perspective.

Until next Tuesday,

JRICH

The Playoff Blues...

It took me a minute to figure out exactly what I wanted to say.  Usually it's pretty easy to get going with my blog posts, because something exciting is happening.  But today isn't the case.  I am straight bummed right now.  I can't believe that we didn't make the playoffs!!!

No one could have ever told me that we would be on summer break heading out for Spa Treatments this early. lol  I'm shocked.  We have too much talent not to have made it to the playoffs.  It's just ridiculous.  Apologies to everyone on planet orange.

I just wanted to send out a quick note to let you guys know that I appreciate everything you do.  You've been great this season, especially the way everyone made me feel at home.

Well, I'm heading back to Charlotte to be with my kids and relax a bit before I start my workouts for summer.  I've got some pretty cool events coming up this summer.  You can find out what I'm doing "play-by-play" if you follow me on Twitter.com/JRich23.  I try to let everyone know what's going on with me.  Keep an ear out.

I'll talk with you guys next Monday.  Hopefully, I'll be back to my ole' self.

Until then; It's just a cloudy day on Planet Orange. :(

JRich23

Keep the "W's" Coming

Good afternoon from Phoenix, AZ.  These last 4 games have been great if I must say so myself, from blow outs to close encounters, we’ve still been able to close. Lately I’ve been feeling like I can shoot with my eyes closed and still make it lol. Right about now I’m getting some much needed rest for tomorrow were we face off against the Utah Jazz completing our 8 home game stint (including the away game at my 2^nd home Golden State lol). These last 5 games have been nothing short of amazing, winning them in front of the home crowd couldn’t be better! Guys that have barely touched the floor have been contributing like never before.  Last night, against the Nuggets the bench players were very impressive! From Lighting Lou’s fast court break, to the Shaq-tacular’s free throw percentage. I think the guy shoots better than me lol.  (better keep bowling my brotha J  That’s my boi)  G-Hill also had a ridiculous game.  you can’t convince me that he isn’t the same guy from the Pistons 99-00 season. I want some of whatever he’s been eating.  All of our vets put on a show; gotta let these young cats know that it’s not easy lol. If we keep playing like we have been, closing out the rest of the regular season games with a big “W” shouldn’t be a problem.  NO DOUBT about it. 

I seen a few Q’s about jerseys. If you’re asking when the authentic jerseys coming out, I have no clue. I’ve only seen the replicas; I’ll make sure they get those out ASAP! To my guy who tried to sneak past security like James Bond lol, I’m sorry my man but when It’s game time I’m in a different world. It’s kind of like being in a trance out there.  Sorry about that, but hey, security’s just doing their job, but don’t stop trying.  If I see you, I’ll do my best to get to you.  I love my fans.  I know I say this all the time, but I really do mean it. 

Last but not least, the question about my favorite reggae song, that’s an easy one! It most definitely is Beenie Man – “Who Am I”. After I got drafted and received my first NBA check, I purchased a 2001 Cadillac Escalade. And my younger cousins can tell you that “Who Am I” was the only song that played over & over & over again in my truck. Good times!

Mi amigo Barbosa va a ser esta bien muy pronto. Muchos gracias a todos mis “fans” se habla espanol.  No puedo practicar mi espanol aveces y todos me ayudaan.  Adios!

JRICH23

"FAN"tastic!!!

Top of the Day to everyone out there in Cyber-land.  Hope you all had a Safe St. Patrick's Day.  That holiday is a really big deal back in Bay City, MI (neighboring city to Saginaw-my hometown).  In fact they were even thinking of dying the water green.  Someone needs to let me know if they succeeded?? lol

Well, I've been taking a break and getting some much needed rest.  We had a day off after the game in the Bay Area against the Warriors.  We put it on them really good.  I still love you Warriors Fans, but we're trying to make the playoffs down here and we're taking no prisoners!! We've put ourselves in a very tough position.  Everyone understands what needs to happen to get us in that 8th spot.  Right now we're hoping all of our fans are rooting for two teams.  1. The Suns 2. Whoever plays Dallas. lol

Yesterday we finally did it.  We got Jared Dudley to cut those braids.  I've been egging him on about it for weeks now.  I told him, "If the King of Braids (Allen Iverson) cut his, then everyone else should cut theirs as well."  :)  So yesterday was D-Day for those twisty locks.  You can see the pics and get a play-by-play of the historic event on twitter.com/JRICH23.  It was mad funny!! Don't tell Jared, but I think he looks better with the braids.  Ooops! Too late! lol

Okay, okay.  I really wanted to take this time to thank all of the fans who have been supporting me.  You guys are great and I love the fact that you're following me on Twitter.com/JRICH23 and reading my blogs.  It's funny, people have been asking me if the intro song was recorded by "The Juice" (artist from Amare's label w/ T.I.), but NO, it's actually my younger cousin O.J. -Odell Walker- (whose nickname is Juice)he's pretty good.  He's working on some mixed tapes and demos, hopefully one day you'll hear more about him.

I've been really excited to see many fans from Asia (Japan & China especially) and the "blokes" from "Down Under" have been sending me emails and following my career.  You guys have been asking me about entering the 2010 All Star Dunk Contest.  I've decided to respond.  It's official.  In 2010 its JRICH Vs. Lebron to settle all of the hype about who's the best dunker! Who else do you want to see in the Dunkfest?

I do this for you guys.  My motivation for playing is knowing that people are interested in what I do.  I love my fans and you guys are often the motivation that kicks me in the butt to get moving, when I'd rather kick back and eat a burger on the couch.  Thanks for all of your inspiring words of encouragement.  That's why I never turn away kids who want autographs.  I'm able to do what I do because of you guys.  Thanks.  I really mean that.

Este es para mis amigos en Brasilia, Gracias.  Sabo que tus hablas Portugesa , pero No hablo Portugesa pero hablo un poquito de Espanol.  Leandro y yo son gran amigos.  El es muy rapido, nos llamos "The Brasillian Blur".

Until next time.  Be easy.

JRICH23

We Believe!!! It Ain't Over 'Til It's Over!

I'm sure everyone that watched the game last night, did so with great anxiety.  It was a nail-bitter and yet another game that we should have pulled out.   This year's season has been filled with great anticipation about what we "Might" be able to accomplish as a team.

Since my arrival we've undergone some major personnel changes.  First it was the coach, and then Amare.  I've never been one to make excuses so I won't start now.  In fact there is no excuse for us losing every close game that we've had pretty much.  We are professionals, and very talented ones at that.  I've made analogies on my blog about being like the Phoenix, rising from the ashes.  Well, I feel like many of you fans/friends do.  When is this infamous ascension going to take place?  It's crazy when you know what you're capable of but not really executing the plan the way you can.

Most of you remember my days with the Warriors and how amidst extreme adversity and skepticism we were able to pull ourselves up by our shoe laces and "Get 'er done".  Maybe I'm just optimistic or some may call me crazy, but I truly believe that "It ain't over til it's Over."    It would be one of the greatest comebacks I've been a part of to date, but I know we can do it.  Nothing is etched in stone, we are the holders of our own destiny.   That's why I'm borrowing a theme from my Warriors days to get us mentally prepared in PHX for the battle ahead, and yes, it's an all-out battle.  But I'm up for the journey once again.  I came to Phoenix to win.  My teammates want to win.  Now it's time to get it done!  Not excuses, no surrender.

By the way if any of you are watching highlights from last nights game,  you'll noticed that I was nearly beheaded by Lebron James on that 360 dunk.  I can't believe I didn't get a call, but hey, that's the way the game goes.  You win some call and you lose some.  But I was fouled!!!! lol.

I hope you all haven't give up completely on this season yet, because we believe!

JRICH23