Richard Jefferson, the current game and studio analyst for the Brooklyn Nets on the YES Network, last played in the NBA in the 2017-18 season as a member of the Denver Nuggets.
Though Jefferson only saw action in 20 games for the Nugs, he was only two seasons removed from winning his first and only championship as a member of the miraculous Cleveland Cavaliers team that came back from 3 games to 1 against the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals.
Perhaps it’s nostalgia, or perhaps it’s an avalanche of cash that has befallen free agents so far during the 2019 NBA free agency period, but Jefferson is apparently considering returning to the league this year after retiring following the 2017-18 season:
I’d like to formally announce after a ton of speculation I’m coming out of retirement. I’d like to play basketball one more year @wojespn
— Richard Jefferson (@Rjeff24) July 3, 2019
Of course, any statement from Jefferson must be taken with a grain of salt, as he is known for his jokey antics online and with his fellow former teammates, specifically fellow former Cavalier Channing Frye.
Still though, if Jefferson thinks there might be playing time for him on a contender – such as his former team and current broadcasting partner the Nets – a return to the league might not be out of the question.
Of course, the most likely destination would be playing alongside his former teammate LeBron James with the Lakers, who will almost certainly need as much help as they can get filling out a roster around James, Anthony Davis and, potentially, Kawhi Leonard.
Though Jefferson is 39 years old, that’s the same age as current veteran Jamal Crawford (who's drawing interest from a variety of contenders) and younger than Vince Carter. Someone should give R.J. a chance!
Follow Us
Subscribe