Career Timeline of Richard Jefferson: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Richard Jefferson, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Richard Jefferson is a retired American professional basketball player who played small forward in the NBA for 17 seasons. He played for eight different teams throughout his career, showcasing his versatility and experience in the league.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1998: College Basketball at Arizona

In 1998, Richard Jefferson began playing college basketball at the University of Arizona under coach Lute Olson.

2001: Drafted by the New Jersey Nets

In 2001, Richard Jefferson was selected with the 13th overall pick in the first round by the New Jersey Nets in the NBA draft after playing college basketball for the Arizona Wildcats.

2001: NCAA Championship Game

In 2001, Richard Jefferson's Arizona team advanced to the NCAA national championship game, where they lost to Duke.

2002: Eastern Conference Championship with the Nets

In 2002, Richard Jefferson was a key element of the New Jersey Nets team that won the Eastern Conference Championship.

2003: Eastern Conference Championship and Slam Dunk Contest

In 2003, Richard Jefferson's New Jersey Nets team again won the Eastern Conference Championship, and Jefferson competed in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest.

August 13, 2004: Contract Extension with the Nets

On August 13, 2004, Richard Jefferson signed a six-year, $78,000,000 contract extension with the New Jersey Nets, securing his place as a key player for the team.

2004: Member of the USA Men's Olympic Basketball Team

In 2004, Richard Jefferson was a member of the USA Men's Olympic basketball team.

2004: Bronze Medal at the Summer Olympics

In 2004, Richard Jefferson won a bronze medal as a member of the United States national team at the Summer Olympics.

2005: Return to Action After Injury

Following a wrist injury suffered in December 2004, Richard Jefferson returned to action in 2005 for the first round of the playoffs against the Miami Heat, having missed 49 games.

August 2007: Pledge to University of Arizona

In August 2007, Richard Jefferson pledged $3.5 million toward the University of Arizona's basketball and volleyball practice facility, which was eventually named in his honor.

2007: Best Form of his NBA Career

Richard Jefferson started the 2007-08 season in the best form of his NBA career. On October 31, 2007, in a game against the Chicago Bulls, Jefferson injured his right wrist slightly, thumping his chest following a clutch three-pointer.

June 26, 2008: Traded to the Milwaukee Bucks

On June 26, 2008, Richard Jefferson was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks for Yi Jianlian and Bobby Simmons.

June 23, 2009: Traded to the San Antonio Spurs

On June 23, 2009, Richard Jefferson was traded to the San Antonio Spurs for Bruce Bowen, Kurt Thomas, and Fabricio Oberto.

June 30, 2010: Opted Out of Contract

On June 30, 2010, Richard Jefferson opted out of his contract with the San Antonio Spurs, becoming an unrestricted free agent.

July 23, 2010: Re-signed with the Spurs

On July 23, 2010, Richard Jefferson re-signed with the San Antonio Spurs after opting out of his contract a few weeks earlier.

March 10, 2012: Inducted into Pac-12 Basketball Hall of Honor

On March 10, 2012, Richard Jefferson was inducted into the Pac-12 Basketball Hall of Honor during the Pac-12 Conference men's basketball tournament.

March 15, 2012: Traded to the Golden State Warriors

On March 15, 2012, Richard Jefferson was traded to the Golden State Warriors for Stephen Jackson, along with a conditional first-round pick.

July 5, 2013: Agreed to be traded to the Utah Jazz

On July 5, 2013, the Golden State Warriors reportedly agreed to trade Richard Jefferson to the Utah Jazz in a three-team deal, in which they received Andre Iguodala from the Denver Nuggets. Brandon Rush and Andris Biedriņš were also included in the trade.

July 21, 2014: Signed with the Dallas Mavericks

On July 21, 2014, Richard Jefferson signed with the Dallas Mavericks, marking another step in his NBA career. He was the last Maverick to wear #24 before it was retired in honor of Kobe Bryant.

August 5, 2015: Signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers

On August 5, 2015, Richard Jefferson signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers, joining a team that would later win an NBA championship.

July 28, 2016: Re-signed with the Cavaliers

On July 28, 2016, after initially considering retirement, Richard Jefferson re-signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers on a two-year contract.

2016: NBA Championship with the Cleveland Cavaliers

In 2016, Richard Jefferson won an NBA championship with the Cleveland Cavaliers, marking a significant achievement in his NBA career.

2016: Won NBA Championship with Cavaliers

In 2016, Richard Jefferson won his first and only NBA Championship as a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers, overcoming a 3-1 deficit in the NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors.

October 14, 2017: Traded to the Atlanta Hawks and Waived

On October 14, 2017, Richard Jefferson was traded to the Atlanta Hawks, along with other assets, and was immediately waived by the Hawks.

October 19, 2017: Signed with the Denver Nuggets

On October 19, 2017, Richard Jefferson signed a one-year contract with the Denver Nuggets.

2017: NBA Finals Loss to Warriors

In 2017, Richard Jefferson and the Cavaliers returned to the NBA Finals but lost to the Golden State Warriors in five games.

2017: Co-hosting Road Trippin' Podcast

In 2017, Richard Jefferson began co-hosting the "Road Trippin'" podcast with Allie Clifton and Channing Frye, featuring his Cavs teammates and recording during road trips.

October 13, 2018: Retirement Announcement

On October 13, 2018, Richard Jefferson announced his retirement from professional basketball, marking the end of his NBA playing career.

October 16, 2018: Joined YES Network as Analyst

On October 16, 2018, Richard Jefferson joined the YES Network as a game and studio analyst for the Nets, transitioning into a broadcasting career after retiring from professional basketball.

2018: Retirement from the NBA

In 2018, Richard Jefferson retired from the NBA after playing for eight teams over 17 seasons.

2019: Joins ESPN as an Analyst

In 2019, Richard Jefferson became a basketball analyst for ESPN after retiring from the NBA.

July 11, 2022: NBA Referee

On July 11, 2022, the NBA announced that Richard Jefferson would be a referee for the second quarter of the Knicks–Blazers game at the 2022 NBA Summer League.