Who is Richard Jefferson? Looking at former NBA champion-turned All-Star Celebrity game referee's journey to the NBA

Richard Jefferson is a former NBA player. Jefferson spent 18 years in the NBA as a player. He was one of the best role players in the league. Jefferson has made four NBA Finals appearances in his career, winning the chip once in 2016 with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Jefferson became an analyst with ESPN following his stint as an NBA player. He has enjoyed a successful tenure, appearing on prime-time shows with the channel. He recently explored another role within the league as a referee.

Richard Jefferson's first gig as an official came during the NBA Summer League 2022. He also made a surprise appearance as a referee during the Ruffles Celebrity All-Star Game on Friday night (Feb 17th).

Richard Jefferson's journey to the NBA

Richard Jefferson's basketball journey began in Phoenix, where he was raised by his mother and stepfather. Jefferson attended Moon Valley High School and played an integral role in helping the Varsity Basketball team win the 1998 4A State Championship.

He continued his time in Phoenix during his college days, playing for the Arizona Wildcats for three seasons between 1998 and 2001. Jefferson was on the 2001 team that lost in the national championship game against Duke. Across 84 college appearances, the ESPN analyst started 77 games, averaging 11.2 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.8 assists.

Richard Jefferson entered the NBA draft in 2001 and was selected as the 13th overall pick by the Houston Rockets. However, the New Jersey Nets traded for his draft rights. Jefferson played seven seasons with the team.

He was crucial to their success in winning the 2002 and 2003 Eastern Conference titles. The Nets didn't win a championship but showed a lot of promise with Jefferson as one of their core players alongside Jason Kidd and Kenyon Martin.

Jefferson was among the most versatile role players in the NBA for most of his career. Jefferson was a starting-caliber player for the first 10 years of his career before pivoting to a bench role.

After his stint with the Nets, he played for the Milwaukee Bucks, San Antonio Spurs, Golden State Warriors, Utah Jazz, Dallas Mavericks, Cleveland Cavaliers and Denver Nuggets. Jefferson retired in 2018 and has been a broadcaster since.