Richard Jefferson is almost 35 years old, but coming off a surprisingly efficient season with the Dallas Mavericks. Signed to a veteran's minimum contract last July, Jefferson shot 42.6 percent from behind the three-point line and started in two of Dallas' five playoff games.
Here's a deeper look back at Jefferson's first (and possibly only) year with the Mavericks, courtesy of SB Nation's Mavericks blog Mavs Moneyball:
"For the majority of the season, he performed about as we’d hoped, coming off the bench to provide spacing. The veteran forward also occasionally fed into narratives about Carlisle’s tendency to rely on older guys over more talented young players. Despite Jefferson’s decent play and professionalism, it was sometimes frustrating to watch him get minutes over Al-Farouq Aminu. But while he wasn’t exactly an elite two-way player, Jefferson had one of the best three-point shooting seasons of his career and was generally pretty useful on offense. He shot 42.6 percent from deep this season, finished at the rim at around the league average and generally kept his turnovers in check. Not bad for a 34 year old making the veteran’s minimum."
When judging a player like Jefferson, it's all about expectations. No, he wasn't an above-the-rim action hero, but he admirably filled in when Dallas needed him to produce. There's been no word on whether Jefferson's 14th season was his last, but the Mavericks probably won't argue if he wants to come back on another one-year deal.
(h/t: Mavs Moneyball)
Photo Credit: David Banks/USA TODAY Sports
