Richard Jefferson is a tenacious small forward who built a reputation for relentless defense and clutch scoring across more than a decade in the NBA. His mix of size, athleticism, and savvy helped him thrive in multiple systems, making him a valuable role player on contending teams.
On Basketball Reference, Richard Jefferson’s profile compiles his regular season and playoff production, advanced metrics, shooting splits, and game logs. This structured data offers a clear window into how he performed at every stage of his career and during key postseason runs.
| Category | Metric | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Position | Small Forward | SF | Primary on-ball defender and transition threat |
| Physical Profile | Height / Weight | 6'7" / 225 lbs | Ideal frame for switching and rebounding |
| Teams | Key Franchises | GSW, UTA, CLE, IND, MIL, BOS | Played on three Finals teams, won in 2015 with GS |
| Playoff Highlight | 2015 Finals PPG | 6.0 | Provided perimeter scoring and defense on elite wings |
| Shooting (Career) | FG% | 44.4% | Above average for his era and position |
Richard Jefferson Early Development and Draft Profile
College Performance and NBA Entry
Before entering the league, Richard Jefferson stood out at Arizona, earning Pac-10 All-Freshman honors and establishing efficient scoring habits. Scouts valued his offensive instincts, quick first step, and willingness to defend bigger forwards, setting the stage for his early selection in the 2001 NBA draft.
Career Highlights and Team Contributions
Key Moments Across Multiple Teams
Richard Jefferson’s career includes impactful stretches with the Warriors, Jazz, Cavaliers, Pacers, Bucks, and Celtics. He delivered in high-leverage situations, such as playoff runs in Utah and Cleveland, and provided veteran leadership while mentoring younger players on contending rosters.
On-Court Impact and Playing Style
Defensive Tenacity and Offensive Efficiency
Jefferson excelled as a weak-side help defender, using his length and anticipation to disrupt passing lanes. Offensively, he leveraged a reliable pull-up jumper and smart off-ball movement to become a consistent spacer, contributing without demanding heavy usage.
Advanced Metrics and Player Efficiency
Box Plus/Minus, PER, and Clutch Tendencies
Advanced stats place Richard Jefferson among solid role players, with above-average on-off metrics during his peak seasons. His usage spiked during critical playoff stretches, where he regularly delivered in fourth-quarter and clutch situations.
Legacy and Takeaways
- Established contributor on multiple playoff teams, including an NBA championship in 2015
- Elite perimeter defender with the size and instincts to switch onto multiple positions
- Efficient scorer who maximized off-ball movement and timely shot creation
- Strong on-off impact that elevated team performance during key stretches
- Valued mentor for younger players and a high-floor role player in competitive environments
FAQ
Reader questions
What teams did Richard Jefferson play for on Basketball Reference?
Richard Jefferson’s career includes the Golden State Warriors, Utah Jazz, Cleveland Cavaliers, Indiana Pacers, Milwaukee Bucks, and Boston Celtics, with significant contributions across multiple conferences.
How did Richard Jefferson perform in the 2015 NBA Finals?
In the 2015 Finals, Richard Jefferson averaged 6.0 points per game, providing timely scoring and perimeter defense that complemented a deep Warriors roster during their championship run.
What were Richard Jefferson’s career shooting percentages on Basketball Reference?
Richard Jefferson finished his career with a 44.4% field goal percentage, 36.9% from three-point range, and strong free throw efficiency, reflecting a balanced offensive skill set for a small forward.
How does Richard Jefferson compare to similar small forwards of his era?
Compared to peers, Richard Jefferson prioritized defense and selflessness, ranking high on box plus/minus during peak years and offering reliable third-rotation minutes on playoff-caliber teams.