Brooklyn Nets: What Ever Happened to Richard Jefferson?

When Brooklyn Nets fans think of their team from the early to mid 2000s, players like Vince Carter, Richard Jefferson and Jason Kidd come to mind immediately. There is no better example of a hardworking role player then Richard Jefferson (RJ).

Richard Jefferson may not have had show-stopping dunks in his arsenal like Carter did. He also didn’t dish out off-the-backboard alley-oops to teammates like his point guard, Jason Kidd did. Jefferson got the dirty work done and was a reliable teammate on and off the court. This led to his trade to the Milwaukee Bucks in 2008 being met with much disproval from Nets fans. After loyally playing eight seasons in the Meadowlands, Jefferson was bound for Wisconsin to play alongside Micheal Redd and company.

More from Nothin' But Nets

Jefferson had a decent first year in Milwaukee, putting up 19.6 points per game on the season. However, his Bucks squad failed to make the playoffs. This was only the second time Jefferson did not make a postseason appearance up to that point in his career.

He then continued on to play for a team that fit his quiet but determined demeanor very well, the San Antonio Spurs. Shots were hard to come by playing next to future Hall-of-Famers such as Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili. As a result, his stats dropped off mightily.

Jefferson became a bench player over the years. After a two-year stint in Golden State and stops in Dallas and Utah, Jefferson became known as an NBA “journeyman.” This was ironic for a player who appeared to be settled with one team for his whole career in New Jersey.

Jefferson appeared to be on the downswing of his career until LeBron James recruited him to be a veteran presence on a championship contending Cleveland Cavaliers team. And when James wants a player on his squad, it is rare that the player rejects.

Nov 25, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry (7) talks to Cleveland Cavaliers forward Richard Jefferson (24) during their game at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Cavaliers 103-99. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

This was perhaps the best move Jefferson could have made at that point in his career. The 15-year veteran went on to revive his career with the Cavs.

Third time was the charm for Jefferson as he finally won a championship and helped James bring the Larry O’Brien trophy to Cleveland for the first time. He became a pivotal part of the 2015-16 Cavs, playing in every single playoff game and averaging 5.5 points per game.

Jefferson became a fan favorite and a social media star in Cleveland, by means of his creative SnapChat stories and Twitter updates. In fact, yesterday he even leaked what the Cavaliers championship rings will look like when they receive them opening night.

"“Every time I walk into that building, there’s still a feeling of pride.”-Richard Jefferson on the Barclays Center"

RJ famously announced on live television after game 7 of the 2016 Finals that he would be retiring immediately. He then retracted his comments and announced later in July that he intended to play two more seasons in Cleveland to help the Cavs take down the NBA’s new super team.

As for his time with the Nets, Jefferson has nothing but great things to say about the team. He stated this sentiment in a recent interview with SLAM Magazine. This was a pleasant change of pace for Nets nation, compared to what other former Nets have said about the franchise.

Next: Vince Carter Wants to Play Two More Years

Jefferson felt so much pride about his accomplishments in New Jersey that he even went on to say, “Every time I walk into that building, there’s still a feeling of pride.”