Richard Jefferson, 35, has played 15 years in the NBA. He has been one of the quieter stars in the league, always a player the opposing coach needed to account for. A first round pick in 2001, Jefferson played on contenders much of his career. He played for seven different NBA franchises, including the Spurs and Warriors, and announced his retirement immediately after winning his first NBA championship as a Cleveland Cavalier. (Jefferson went to the Finals twice earlier with the New Jersey Nets.)
Jefferson played an unheralded but critical role in the Cavaliers’ victory. During the regular season, Jefferson averaged 18 minutes and 4.2 shot attempts per game, grabbing 1.7 boards. He maintained similar minutes and scoring numbers throughout the playoffs, but played exceptional defense and was a player who could get his own shot going to the basket when the Cavs needed it. He shot 59% on 2-point attempts. Jefferson also doubled his rebounding to 3.5 boards in just 18 minutes.
