- Richard Jefferson was drafted by the Rockets but he was traded to the Nets later
- He was disappointed about this
- But this soon changed as he got to play with Jason Kidd
Richard Jefferson’s journey to basketball stardom took an unexpected twist, one that almost ended in disaster but eventually paved the way for an unforgettable partnership with Jason Kidd.
Drafted by the Houston Rockets in 2001, Jefferson’s dreams of playing in H-Town were abruptly shattered when he learned about his trade to the New Jersey Nets. At first, uncertainty and doubts loomed over his mind:
“I got drafted by Houston. I was so excited. My agent called me and told me I got traded to New Jersey. I immediately became depressed. I had no idea about Jersey, about the tri-state, how close it was to New York.”
“I talked to Byron and he could sense my disappointment. He was like, Don’t worry, I feel like we have some things that are gonna make you happy.”
“The next day, I’m driving on the freeway, in Phoenix. I hear, Hey everybody, we have a trade to announce. Stephon Marbury has just been traded from New Jersey and Jason Kidd is going to New Jersey.”
“I almost wrecked my car on the freeway trying to pull over to call my agent. I was so excited. Maybe call it arrogance, maybe call it confidence. But I knew how good Jason Kidd was. I knew how good we were gonna be and what we were gonna accomplish.”
In the ensuing years, Jefferson’s partnership with Kidd proved to be as significant as he had imagined. Kidd’s leadership and playmaking skills guided the Nets to newfound success, culminating in their ascent to the top of the Eastern Conference.
Although they didn’t clinch an NBA championship, the partnership left an indelible mark on Jefferson, solidifying his admiration for Kidd’s prowess and influence.
How Good Were Jason Kidd And Richard Jefferson At The Nets?
During their tenure with the New Jersey Nets, Jason Kidd and Richard Jefferson formed a dynamic and memorable partnership that left a significant mark on the team’s history.
Jason Kidd, a true maestro of the basketball court, brought his exceptional skills and leadership to the Nets. His ability to read the game, deliver pinpoint passes, and ignite his teammates made him a central figure in the team’s success.
Richard Jefferson, known for his electrifying athleticism and scoring prowess, perfectly complemented Kidd’s playmaking. Jefferson’s ability to soar to the rim, finish with finesse, and contribute from beyond the arc added a dynamic dimension to the Nets’ offense.
Together, Kidd and Jefferson propelled the Nets to multiple playoff appearances and memorable postseason runs. The pinnacle of their collaboration came with back-to-back trips to the NBA Finals in 2002 and 2003, showcasing their ability to contend on the grandest stage.
Kidd’s strategic brilliance and Jefferson’s athletic artistry created a captivating narrative for Nets fans. Their partnership showed the power of teamwork and the incredible heights that can be reached when exceptional talents combine.
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