Richard Jefferson’s 10 craziest moves in the NBA, ranked

Once upon a time, Richard Jefferson was a reliable NBA veteran who played for many teams in the NBA. But the highlight of his career came with the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he was a part of the team that won the 2016 NBA championship.

Jefferson, who has now retired from football, continues to contribute to the NBA as an analyst. Although he brings a wealth of experience, Jefferson also offers ideas that may not sit well with NBA fans. Here’s a list of Richard Jefferson’s 10 craziest moves in the NBA.

10. The Best Knick of the Last 20 Years: Jalen Brunson

Thanks to the rise of Jalen Brunson’s play, the New York Knicks have become a playoff fixture. As a result, Jefferson made the bold claim that the Knicks guard is the best Knicks player in the last two decades. While Brunson provides a solid example, fans also want to take note of the likes of All-Stars Carmelo Anthony and Amar’e Stoudemire.

9. Speculation about the Clippers’ front office

The Los Angeles Clippers are still trying to figure out how to end the curse despite landing All-Star players Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.

However, Jefferson increased the pressure on the Clippers organization by making some speculations to the front office that could be controversial if proven true. However, the Clippers have been deprived of the championship banner so far.

8. Rebuilding Rockets will make playoffs if they sign 1 more keyless player

After the Houston Rockets signed Fred VanVleet to a lucrative deal, the NBA champion emerged as the highest-paid undrafted player. As this acquisition took 2023 free agency by storm, Jefferson was so caught up in the excitement that if the Rockets had signed another free agent, the Rockets’ rebuild could have been made in time for the postseason.

The Rockets, who restructured after signing VanVleet, acquired controversial forward Dillon Brooks, former All-Star Victor Oladipo and veteran NBA player Jeff Green. However, the Rockets failed to qualify for the play-offs, but came very close to stealing the right to play in the tournament.

7. Fearing Paul Pierce because of Dwyane Wade

Many basketball fans argue that Dwyane Wade had a better career than Paul Pierce. Jefferson challenged the status quo and went with the former Celtics legend. Although Pierce proved how good he was, Wade also put in a lethal performance in the final frames of the game. Moreover, The Flash has won more championships than The Truth.

6. Stephen Curry is nowhere near Magic Johnson

In an interview with Gilbert Arenas, Stephen Curry declared himself the NBA’s best point guard ever. However, Jefferson was one of the strongest critics of this claim; He even went so far as to claim that the gap between Curry and Magic Johnson isn’t even close.

Of course, both players have positively impacted the game like no other, but Jefferson gets to decide which player he prefers.

5. LeBron James’ contract extension was a mistake

There’s no doubt that Jefferson knows LeBron James well, having won the NBA championship with him in 2016. However, Jefferson did not hesitate to see James’ contract extension move with the Lakers as a mistake.

Fast forward to today and James led the Lakers to the NBA’s first Intraseason Tournament Championship, where he was also crowned the first Intraseason Tournament MVP.

4. Boston Celtics will climb out of a 3-0 hole

Facing a 3-0 series hole in the 2023 Eastern Conference Finals, Jefferson made a bold statement claiming the Celtics will come out of this situation. It’s worth noting that not a single NBA team has ever recovered from a 3-0 series hole. Although the Celtics came close to tying the series after winning Game 6, the Heat defeated the Celtics 103-84 in Game 7 and advanced to the NBA Finals.

3. Claiming to be ESPN’s Sexiest Man

Even though Jefferson won’t be traded at the trade deadline, the NBA champion has managed to bring his A game in terms of fashion and style. After trying on a few outfits, Jefferson asked other analysts to bring their best game in terms of fashion sense.

Moreover, the former NBA veteran even went on to declare himself as ESPN’s Sexiest Man. NBA basketball fans, although their colleagues at ESPN agree we weren’t that kind.

2. Vince Carter as the most talented basketball player

Vince Carter was half human, half magnificent. Although Carter had won over many fans, including former teammate Jefferson, fans were not in a good mood after Jefferson declared him the most talented player in NBA history. Although Carter was extremely talented, fans were also discussing names like Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Michael Jordan.

1. Tim Duncan ‘moved out’

It’s crazy for Jefferson to claim that Tim Duncan was carried around by his teammates and coach in San Antonio. Duncan was the centerpiece of the Spurs dynasty that won five NBA championships; three of which crowned The Big Fundamental as Finals MVP. Duncan was also a two-time NBA MVP. On the contrary, this was Jefferson’s wildest approach.