Nothin' But Nets
Fansided

Former Brooklyn Nets in the NBA Finals

By Christian Milcos

Dec 13, 2013; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Brooklyn Nets point guard Shaun Livingston (14) tries to dribble around Detroit Pistons shooting guard Rodney Stuckey (3) during the second quarter at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2013; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Brooklyn Nets point guard Shaun Livingston (14) tries to dribble around Detroit Pistons shooting guard Rodney Stuckey (3) during the second quarter at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 4
Next
Jun 7, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Richard Jefferson (24) and Golden State Warriors guard Shaun Livingston (34) go for a loose ball during the third quarter in game three of the 2017 NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 7, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Richard Jefferson (24) and Golden State Warriors guard Shaun Livingston (34) go for a loose ball during the third quarter in game three of the 2017 NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

Richard Jefferson

Jefferson was one of the more storied players in the Nets’ history. After playing seven seasons in New Jersey, he finished as the franchise’s fourth leading scorer, and fourth in overall minutes played.

Jefferson is the definition of a true Net. He has said more positive comments about his time in New Jersey than most former Nets have. While some players have spoken out negatively about their time playing in the Meadowlands, Jefferson seems look back fondly on his days in East Rutherford. In an interview with SLAM Magazine, he stated, “Every time I walk into that building (Barclays Center,) there’s still a feeling of pride.” Jefferson would then go on to speak about how him and his teammates worked extremely hard to put several banners up in the rafters.

MUST READ: Best options for Nets in a Portland Trailblazers trade

Jefferson’s best season with the Nets was also his last. He played every game that season for New Jersey, putting up 22.6 points per game on 46% shooting from the field. Following that season, he would eventually be dealt to the Milwaukee Bucks in a draft day deal which involved Yi Jianlian and Bobby Simmons going to New Jersey. We shall speak of this trade no more.

After taking stops playing for several Western Conference teams, the University of Arizona alum seems to have a found a home in Cleveland. After months of being known more for his comical Snapchats than contributions on the court, RJ finally found a niche in the Cavs lineup in the 2016 postseason. While he did not show much statistically, he helped James and company immensely with the intangibles. Jefferson played 24 minutes a contest in the 2016 Finals, and showed more than enough for Cleveland to extend his contract.

Next: Analyzing how Allen Crabbe would fit on the Nets

Jefferson’s minutes varied this season. He has seen little action in the postseason thus far. Yet, as the Cavs face Golden State in The Finals again, Tyrone Lue has played RJ at least 13 minutes a game in each of the first three games.

Jefferson will be turning 37 in less than two weeks. With 15 seasons and a championship ring under his belt, he is bound to only have a few more season left in him. If the Nets do plan on retiring his #24 jersey, then expect him to sign one, final, single day contract with the team in order to retire as a Net. No doubt, Nets Nation would surly welcome Jefferson, and his Road Trip Podcast crew to Brooklyn with open arms as a coach one day.