History of Richard Jefferson in Timeline

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, achieving notable success as a key player for several franchises. Jefferson was known for his athleticism, scoring ability, and versatility on the court, contributing to his longevity in the league.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

June 21, 1980: Richard Jefferson's Birth

On June 21, 1980, Richard Allen Jefferson Jr. was born. He is an American former professional basketball player.

Others born on this day/year

1998: College Basketball at the University of Arizona

In 1998, Richard Jefferson began playing college basketball at the University of Arizona.

1998: Won 4A State Championship

In 1998, Richard Jefferson, as part of Moon Valley High School's varsity basketball team, won the 4A State Championship.

2001: National Championship Game Appearance

In 2001, Richard Jefferson and the Arizona team advanced to the national championship game, but lost to Duke.

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.

2002: Eastern Conference Championship

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

2003: Eastern Conference Championship & NBA Slam Dunk Contest

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

August 13, 2004: Signed contract extension with the Nets

On August 13, 2004, Richard Jefferson signed a six-year, $78,000,000 contract extension with the Nets.

December 27, 2004: Wrist Injury

On December 27, 2004, Richard Jefferson ruptured a ligament in his left wrist after a play with Chauncey Billups, causing him to miss a significant part of the 2004-05 season.

2004: Summer Olympics

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 in the Summer Olympics.

2005: Returned to Action

In 2005, Richard Jefferson returned to action for the first round of the playoffs against the Miami Heat after missing 49 games due to a wrist injury.

January 21, 2007: Ankle Surgery

On January 21, 2007, Richard Jefferson had ankle surgery, which caused him to miss around six weeks of play.

August 2007: Pledged donation 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 NBA Career

Richard Jefferson started the 2007-08 season in the best form of his NBA career, averaging high stats in the first 7 games.

June 26, 2008: Trade to 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.

July 11, 2009: Wedding called off

On July 11, 2009, Richard Jefferson called off his wedding with Kesha Ni'cole Nichols the night before it was scheduled to occur at the Mandarin Oriental. They had been engaged twice before.

June 30, 2010: Opted Out of Contract

On June 30, 2010, Richard Jefferson opted out of his contract with San Antonio and became 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.

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 2012 Pac-12 Conference men's basketball tournament.

March 15, 2012: Traded to Golden State Warriors

On March 15, 2012, Richard Jefferson was traded to the Golden State Warriors for Stephen Jackson.

July 5, 2013: Reported Trade to Utah Jazz

On July 5, 2013, it was reported that Richard Jefferson was to be traded to the Utah Jazz as part of a three team deal.

July 21, 2014: Signed with the Dallas Mavericks

On July 21, 2014, Richard Jefferson signed with the Dallas Mavericks.

August 5, 2015: Signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers

On August 5, 2015, Richard Jefferson signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

July 28, 2016: Re-signed with the Cavaliers

On July 28, 2016, Richard Jefferson re-signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers on a two-year, $5 million contract after considering retirement.

2016: NBA Finals Championship

In 2016, Richard Jefferson and the Cleveland Cavaliers won the NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors.

2016: NBA Championship with the Cavaliers

In 2016, Richard Jefferson won an NBA championship with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

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

On October 14, 2017, Richard Jefferson was traded to the Atlanta Hawks and immediately waived.

October 19, 2017: Signed with the Denver Nuggets

On October 19, 2017, Richard Jefferson signed a one-year, $2.3 million contract with the Denver Nuggets.

2017: NBA Finals Loss

In 2017, Richard Jefferson and the Cleveland Cavaliers lost to the Warriors in the NBA Finals.

2017: Co-hosting Road Trippin' Podcast

In 2017, Richard Jefferson began co-hosting the podcast "Road Trippin'" alongside Allie Clifton and Channing Frye.

October 13, 2018: Announced Retirement

On October 13, 2018, Richard Jefferson announced his retirement from professional basketball.

October 16, 2018: Joined YES Network as Analyst

On October 16, 2018, Richard Jefferson joined the YES Network as the Nets' game and studio analyst.

2018: Retirement from the NBA

In 2018, Richard Jefferson retired from the NBA after a 17-season career.

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 Summer League 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.