Cleveland Cavaliers: Fans will always be grateful for Richard Jefferson

Richard Jefferson did not have a really, really long tenure with the Cleveland Cavaliers, but he made his presence felt on and off the floor. As a solid role player for the team in the 2015-16 and 2016-17 seasons, Jefferson was a plus defender, even while matched up against very difficult assignments. He was also a tremendous teammate and seemed to fully embrace his situation.

Much like his great buddy and one of his Road Trippin’ pod running mates in Channing Frye (who’s still on the Cavs), Jefferson knew that he wasn’t going to be counted on to be an All-Star. Instead, Jefferson was a steady presence in his minutes on the floor and always made winning plays.

He averaged 5.6 points on an effective field goal rate of 55.0 percent and 2.2 rebounds in 19.2 minutes per game.

He set the example as a leader for the young pieces in his time with Cleveland, and it’s just so awful what happened to him recently with his father’s tragic passing.

Jefferson has decided to “move on from basketball,” and here’s his Instagram post in remembrance of the late Richard Jefferson Sr., who died in a drive-by shooting on September 19, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bo4Q189hHBO/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet

ESPN had more to add on Jefferson Sr.’s recent death, as reporter Dave McMenamin highlighted how the two became closer as of late.

"“Jefferson and his father had grown closer in recent years, sources told ESPN’s Dave McMenamin last month, with Jefferson, his wife and two children spending their summers in Los Angeles’ South Bay, not far from Jefferson Sr.’s home in Inglewood.”"

Clearly, Jefferson is going through a tough time right now, and this is not easy to deal with for him and his loved ones. We Cleveland fans wish RJ the best of luck going forward in his retirement, and hope he never has to go through anything of that magnitude again.

Jefferson brought grit, savvy veteran play and the highest character to the Cleveland Cavaliers in his two seasons with the team, and I’m glad he has a championship to his name. Jefferson had an outstanding 17-year career in the Association, and I hope his retirement brings him peace.