Nuggets: Why they should sign Richard Jefferson
By Mathew Huff
The Denver Nuggets are reportedly interested in Richard Jefferson and it would actually be a good fit.
The Denver Nuggets are one of the teams who got a makeover this off season, but they may not be done quite yet with reports coming in with them being interested in veteran, Richard Jefferson.
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Jefferson, who has spent the past few seasons with the Cleveland Cavaliers, is a veteran small forward who is past his prime, but a great mentor for young and developing players. He had an underrated role with the Cavaliers and actually retired after the Cavs won the Finals, but then came out of retirement. Jefferson would fill a key role on the Nuggets roster.
There is something to be said about veteran experience and leadership in today’s NBA and while the Nuggets already have a solid team, Jefferson could fill another dimension. Jefferson does not need to be the New Jersey Nets version of himself as he would be more of a veteran mentor.
For the Nuggets, they would be able to finally add another true small forward to the roster to back up Wilson Chandler. Torrey Craig will most likely be playing in the G League and Juancho Hernangomez is technically a power forward, though he can play the three if need be.
With Jefferson on the roster, they would have great veteran experience who also has championship experience.
They would have to clear a roster sport for him if they were to sign him. If this were to occur, the two players who are most likely to be trade and/or released would be Kenneth Faried or Jameer Nelson. The Nuggets seem set on Murray and Mudiay for their point guards and Faried has expressed discontent with his back up role.
Richard Jefferson is not going to make a huge dent in the Nuggets’ production, but he could be the difference in a first round playoff exit or advancing in the post season.