Networks are lining up for the chance to talk to Richard Jefferson. The 17-year NBA veteran has had discussions with multiple teams about making a move to broadcasting and there are at least three suitors for his services.
YES has had talks with Jefferson about joining the network’s Brooklyn Nets coverage. Jefferson played his first seven seasons in the NBA with the then New Jersey Nets. The role the two sides have discussed is something of a studio/game analyst hybrid. Jefferson, if he accepts, would work part-time in each environment. Regardless of whatever decision Jefferson makes, YES intends to keep Sarah Kustok with Ian Eagle on its lead play-by-play team.
The Los Angeles Clippers are having to completely overhaul their television broadcasts this season. Bruce Bowen and the team parted ways after a disagreement over the way Bowen criticized Kawhi Leonard. Long time play-by-play man Ralph Lawler announced his retirement earlier this week. Jefferson is a leading candidate to take over as the Clippers’ color commentator despite never having played for the team.
ESPN has also had discussions with Richard Jefferson about his broadcasting future. He has done some part time work for ESPN in the past, appearing on The Jump. The World Wide Leader envisions a studio role for Jefferson that one official described to The New York Post’s Andrew Marchand as “a similar spot to Tim Legler”. It would allow him to appear on multiple shows including The Jump, SportsCenter, and Get Up!.
For all of the interest in Jefferson becoming a broadcaster, Jefferson himself may not be on board. He told Marchand that he is planning to play an 18th season in the NBA.
“I’m a basketball player until I am not a basketball player,” Jefferson told The Post. “My goal is to play basketball this season.”
Richard Jefferson spent last season as a member of the Denver Nuggets.
As a broadcaster, Jefferson’s biggest moment may have come in podcasting. It was on the show he did with former Cleveland teammate Channing Frye where Kyrie Irving admitted he believed the Earth is flat.
