Here’s something that was lost in all the excitement of the first major sports championship for the City of Cleveland in 52 years: Richard Jefferson is hanging up his basketball sneakers.
After the Cavaliers defeated the Golden State Warriors in Game 7 on Sunday night to take home their first title in franchise history, Jefferson announced in the locker room that he was going out on top and retiring, per Ryan Wolstat of the Toronto Sun.
Richard Jefferson says he's retiring. "Hell of a way to go out."
— Ryan Wolstat (@WolstatSun) June 20, 2016
Here is video of Jefferson reiterating his triumphant exit proclamation to Allie Clifton of FOX Sports Ohio:
Richard Jefferson announces his retirement to @FSOAllieOop on @cavs Live postgame
STREAM: https://t.co/PVOvJghtO4 https://t.co/k3Rr2ki9g0
— FOX Sports Ohio (@FOXSportsOH) June 20, 2016
Make your “George Costanza going out on a high note” jokes if you will. But the 35-year-old Jefferson was an essential contributor for the Cavs on this championship run, way beyond just what his individual stats would suggest. He brought veteran savvy to a relatively inexperienced Cleveland team and put forth smart, gritty defense, floor spacing, and hustle for those situations where the Cavs couldn’t afford to play Kevin Love, especially in the Finals.
Go ride off into that sunset, Mr. Jefferson. After 15 years of service and your first NBA championship to show for it, you deserve to.
Image Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
