![]() ![]() His absence proved to be a major setback for the struggling Nets, who surged back into playoff contention once Jefferson returned. After missing around six weeks, he was back in the lineup. On January 21, 2007, Jefferson decided to have ankle surgery. Through the 2005–06 season, Jefferson continued to perform at a high level and established himself as one of the NBA's most versatile players. ![]() Jefferson had been enjoying his best professional season, averaging 22.2 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game. Prior to suffering the injury, he had missed only five games in his three NBA seasons. Jefferson ended up missing 49 games, but returned to action for the first round of the playoffs against the Miami Heat. Jefferson missed the majority of the 2004–05 regular season after rupturing a ligament in his left wrist, an injury he claimed occurred when Detroit Pistons guard Chauncey Billups purposely undercut him on a layup attempt during a game on December 27, 2004. On August 13, 2004, Jefferson signed a six-year, $78,000,000 contract extension with the Nets. Jefferson blossomed in the role, becoming a good mid- and long-range shooter in addition to his slashing ability. Because of his potential, and Van Horn's conflict with power forward Kenyon Martin, the Nets traded Van Horn to the Philadelphia 76ers and trusted Jefferson as a starter. Jefferson began his career as a substitute small forward for Keith Van Horn and showed great defensive skills and all-around ability. Jefferson competed in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest in 2003. In addition, Jefferson was a member of the USA Men's Olympic basketball team in the 2004 Summer Olympics. Jefferson played seven seasons with the New Jersey Nets and was a key element of their back-to-back Eastern Conference Championship teams of 20. Professional career New Jersey Nets (2001–2008) He was inducted into the Pac-12 Basketball Hall of Honor during the 2012 Pac-12 Conference men's basketball tournament, March 10, 2012. Along the way, Jefferson was an all-Midwest Regional and all-Final Four selection. ![]() He capped his career by being part of the Arizona team that advanced to the 2001 national championship game where the Wildcats fell to Duke. During his 84-game career (77 starts), Jefferson averaged 11.2 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game. ![]() Jefferson played college basketball at the University of Arizona, under Hall of Fame coach Lute Olson from 1998 to 2001. He attended Moon Valley High School in West Phoenix, where he was an integral part of the varsity basketball team that won the 4A State Championship in 1998. His mother and step-father were both Christian missionaries, and he moved around frequently growing up. Jefferson was born in Los Angeles and was raised in Phoenix. Jefferson retired from playing in 2018, becoming a basketball analyst. He was also a member of the United States national team that won a bronze medal in the 2004 Summer Olympics. He won an NBA championship with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016. Jefferson was drafted in the first round of the 2001 NBA draft with the 13th overall pick, and was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in his first season with the New Jersey Nets (now known as the Brooklyn Nets). He played college basketball with the Arizona Wildcats. (born June 21, 1980) is an American former professional basketball player who is a sports analyst on ESPN. All rights reserved.Richard Allen Jefferson Jr. Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and Safety Information / Your California Privacy Rights are applicable to you. ^ Back to Top ^ © 2023 ESPN Internet Ventures. You have reached a degraded version of because you're using an unsupported version of Internet Explorer.įor a complete experience, please upgrade or use a supported browser ![]()
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