Jason Richardson’s message to Juan Toscano-Anderson after NBA Dunk Contest

Growing up in East Oakland, Juan Toscano-Anderson idolized Warriors guard Jason Richardson.

Richardson, the No. 5 overall pick by Golden State in the 2001 NBA Draft, spent the first six seasons of his career with the Warriors. A young Toscano-Anderson watched as J-Rich won back-to-back NBA Slam Dunk Contests in 2002 and ’03.

Competing in his first career dunk contest Saturday night, JTA shined in his first two attempts and advanced to the finals against Obi Toppin of the New York Knicks. For his fourth and final dunk of the night, Toscano-Anderson donned a throwback J-Rich jersey and tried to throw down the same jam Richardson did in the 2003 contest.

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However, JTA couldn’t complete the dunk. He was worried his idol would feel let down.

“This [jersey] is very nostalgic for me,” Toscano-Anderson said to reporters after the dunk contest, still wearing his J-Rich throwback. “I’m a little bit bummed. I hope Jason Richardson isn’t disappointed in me that I didn’t convert the dunk. But, yeah, it was a no-brainer [to wear the jersey].”

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Minutes later, the Warriors forward received a phone call from Richardson. After JTA apologized to J-Rich for not hammering the dunk, Richardson shared a heartfelt message to the 28-year-old.

“Hey, it’s a hard dunk bro,” Richardson said. “I did it one time and that was in the dunk contest. I’m just proud, man. You’re so respected and represent the Bay. You represent the Bay always, man. The way you play, much respect man. So, don’t even trip on that [missed dunk] … all love bro.”

“I appreciate that, man," JTA said in response. “Those words mean a lot coming from you. I’ve been watching you since I was a kid so you a GOAT in my eyes.”