ESPN's Richard Jefferson is calling the NBA Finals for his first time in his broadcasting career, but he's no stranger to basketball's biggest stage.
Jefferson appeared in the NBA Finals three times during his 18-year NBA playing career, going back-to-back years with the New Jersey Nets in 2002 and 2003 and with the Cavaliers in 2016.
The small forward and the Nets were overpowered by the Kobe-Shaq-led Lakers in 2002 and fell to the Spurs in 2003. Jefferson picked up his only championship ring when Cleveland knocked off Golden State in an iconic comeback after going down 3-1.
Now sitting courtside and wearing a headset, Jefferson will be watching to see if the Thunder can become one of the youngest teams to win a title, or if the Pacers can ride their playoff magic to a victory in the 2025 NBA Finals.
Here's what to know about Richard Jefferson's NBA Finals appearances.
MORE: From the Celtics to Lakers, which NBA teams have won the most championships?
Richard Jefferson NBA Finals appearances
2002, New Jersey Nets
Jefferson reached the NBA Finals for the first time as a rookie with the New Jersey Nets in 2002. He didn't have a huge role in the team, but finished second in the Rookie of the Year voting that season.
The Nets matched up with the Lakers, the two-time defending NBA champions. Led by Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal, Los Angeles pummeled Jefferson and the Nets in the series, sweeping New Jersey to win its third straight title. O' Neal was named Finals MVP after averaging 36.3 points per game.
2003, New Jersey Nets
Jefferson and the Nets reached the NBA Finals again in 2003. The small forward's role expanded from the previous season, and he averaged 15.5 points per game and 6.4 rebounds in his second year in the league.
The Nets faced off with another 2000s NBA dynasty in the Spurs. They fared better than the previous year, with Jefferson posting a double-double in a Game 4 win, but ultimately fell to San Antonio 4-2. Tim Duncan was named Finals MVP after averaging 24.2 points and 17 rebounds.
2016, Cleveland Cavaliers
Jefferson appeared in the NBA Finals for the third and final time in 2016 with the Cavaliers. After he signed as a free agent in the offseason, he played the role of veteran leader for a Cleveland team trying to win a title for the first time in franchise history.
The Cavaliers met the Warriors, the defending NBA champions, in the finals. After going down 3-1 in the series, LeBron James and Kyrie Irving helped will Cleveland to three straight victories and the championship. James was named Finals MVP after averaging 24.2 points, 11.3 rebounds and 8.9 assists.
MORE: Complete list of NBA Finals MVP winners, from Kobe Bryant to Jerry West
Did Richard Jefferson win a championship?
Richard Jefferson won a championship with the Cavaliers in 2016. Cleveland knocked off Golden State, led by NBA MVP Stephen Curry, to win its first title in franchise history.
Jefferson was a solid role player for the Cavaliers in his first NBA Finals appearance in 13 years, averaging 24 minutes per game and shooting over 50% from the field.
MORE: Most points in an NBA Finals game: Top 13 player performances in history
How many rings does Richard Jefferson have?
Richard Jefferson has one championship ring, which he won with Cleveland in 2016. He made two other appearances in the NBA Finals with the New Jersey Nets in 2002 and 2003, but he came out empty handed both times.
MORE: Tyrese Haliburton clutch shots timeline: Buzzer-beaters and game-winners from Pacers star
Who did Richard Jefferson play for?
Jefferson played for eight different teams in the NBA. Here's a look at his stops throughout his 18-year playing career.
- New Jersey Nets (2001-2008)
- Milwaukee Bucks (2008-2009)
- San Antonio Spurs (2009-2012)
- Golden State Warriors (2012-2013)
- Utah Jazz (2013-2014)
- Dallas Mavericks (2014-2015)
- Cleveland Cavaliers (2015-2017)
- Denver Nuggets (2017-2018)
MORE: Have the Thunder won an NBA championship? Complete finals, playoff history for OKC