Richard Jefferson is a well known NBA veteran whose career is frequently explored on Basketball Reference for detailed performance data and context. This article highlights how the platform captures his contributions, key moments, and legacy as a versatile small forward.
Readers often turn to Basketball Reference to compare his stats, advanced metrics, and role within different teams over time, making his profile a useful reference for analysts and fans alike.
| Category | 2002–03 Rookie Season | 2006–07 Peak Year | 2015–16 Championship Run | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Team | Utah Jazz | Golden State Warriors | Cleveland Cavaliers | |
| Games Played | 81 | 77 | 21 | |
| Points Per Game | 9.1 | 14.0 | 8.0 | |
| Win Shares | 2.8 | 7.6 | 1.4 | |
| Playoff Appearances | 0 | 1 | 1 | Champion |
Early Career and NBA Entry
Basketball Reference outlines Richard Jefferson’s early college years at Arizona and his transition to the NBA draft. His 2002 second round selection by the Houston Rockets and subsequent trade to the Utah Jazz shaped his initial professional trajectory.
During his first seasons, the platform tracks his minutes, scoring efficiency, and role within a young roster, providing context for how rookies are evaluated in modern NBA analytics.
Career Peak and Offensive Impact
2006–07 Season with Golden State
On the Warriors, Richard Jefferson reached career highs in scoring and usage, and Basketball Reference captures this through box scores, advanced metrics, and lineup data that highlight his on/off impact.
Shooting and Efficiency Metrics
The site details his effective field goal percentage, true shooting attempts, and three point volume, showing how his game balanced scoring with off ball movement and timely shooting.
Defensive Contributions and Role Versatility
Beyond scoring, Basketball Reference includes defensive rating, steal numbers, and lineup data to illustrate how Jefferson contributed in transition defense and switchable schemes.
His ability to guard multiple positions and compete on rebounds is reflected in lineup combinations that coaches used to maximize team flexibility during tight playoff races.
Championship Run and Late Career
With Cleveland in 2016, Basketball Reference documents his limited but meaningful role during the postseason, including key minutes and clutch performances that supported a championship team.
Later years with Dallas and Portland are shown through reduced minutes and mentorship responsibilities, reflecting how veteran players adapt to evolving roster construction.
Key Takeaways
- Richard Jefferson’s career is well documented on Basketball Reference through season by season splits and advanced metrics.
- His peak year with Golden State showcased elite scoring efficiency and high impact on both ends of the floor.
- Defensive metrics and lineup data reveal his versatility as a switchable perimeter defender.
- His role in the 2016 championship highlights how veteran contributors influence playoff success even with limited minutes.
- Tracking his trajectory from rookie to mentor demonstrates how the platform contextualizes career arcs for modern NBA analysis.
FAQ
Reader questions
How does Basketball Reference measure Richard Jefferson's offensive impact?
It uses points per game, effective field goal percentage, true shooting percentage, win shares, and on off court net rating to contextualize his scoring efficiency and overall value.
What role did he play in the 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers championship run?
He provided veteran scoring off the bench and steady defense, contributing key minutes in critical playoff games that helped the team close out the Finals.
How does the site compare his early career to his peak season?
Through season by season tables and advanced metrics, it highlights improvements in scoring volume, shooting accuracy, and playmaking as he developed into a starter with the Warriors.
Does Basketball Reference track his defensive stats and lineup data?
Yes, it includes defensive rating, steals, blocks, and lineup combinations that show how his two way play influenced team performance in various matchups.