Richard Jefferson NBA Career Overview
Richard Jefferson played 17 NBA seasons and appeared for 12 franchises, with his career spanning from 2001 to 2018. He is best known as a versatile small forward and power forward who combined high-level defense with efficient scoring, helping multiple teams reach the playoffs and one Finals appearance. His path from a top draft pick to a reliable veteran role player is documented by sources like NBA.com NBA.com.
The 2003 NBA Draft selected Jefferson 13th overall, and he immediately became a starter for the New York Knicks before being traded to the New Jersey Nets, where he spent the majority of his early prime. His development during that period laid the foundation for a long career defined by adaptability and consistent minutes across several different rosters.
Complete List of Teams Richard Jefferson Played For
Richard Jefferson played for the New York Knicks, New Jersey Nets, Milwaukee Bucks, San Antonio Spurs, Golden State Warriors, Dallas Mavericks, Atlanta Hawks, Utah Jazz, Cleveland Cavaliers, Denver Nuggets, Washington Wizards, and Brooklyn Nets. Each stop contributed to a career that totaled over 1,100 regular-season games and included a 2016 NBA championship with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
New York Knicks and New Jersey Nets
Jefferson began his career with the Knicks in 2001 and was traded to the Nets during his rookie season, where he became a key contributor alongside Jason Kidd and Kenyon Martin. His time with the Nets included multiple playoff runs and a 2002 NBA Finals appearance, establishing him as one of the league's top two-way wings at the time.
San Antonio Spurs and Cleveland Cavaliers
After stints with the Bucks, Warriors, and Mavericks, Jefferson won his only NBA championship with the 2015-16 Cleveland Cavaliers, providing veteran depth and playoff experience off the bench. He later joined the Spurs and Nuggets, continuing to contribute as a disciplined role player until his final NBA seasons with the Wizards and a brief return to the Nets.
Richard Jefferson Career Stats and Legacy
Across 1,104 regular-season games, Richard Jefferson averaged 12.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game, with career totals of over 13,900 points and 4,800 rebounds. His playoff résumé includes appearances in four conference finals and one NBA Finals, reflecting his consistent presence on competitive teams throughout his career.
Beyond the box score, Jefferson is remembered for his defensive versatility, efficient mid-range shooting, and ability to mentor younger players, traits that made him a valuable asset on every roster he joined. His journey through 12 franchises offers a clear blueprint of how a high-draft pick can sustain a long, productive NBA career through adaptability and steady performance, as further detailed by Basketball Reference Basketball Reference.