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Denver Nuggets: Top six “glue guys” since 2000

By Kevin Oestreicher

DENVER - DECEMBER 3: Nene #31 and Chauncey Billups #1 of the Denver Nuggets sit prior to the game against the Los Angeles Clippers on December 3, 2010 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2010 NBAE (Photo by Garrett W. Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
DENVER - DECEMBER 3: Nene #31 and Chauncey Billups #1 of the Denver Nuggets sit prior to the game against the Los Angeles Clippers on December 3, 2010 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2010 NBAE (Photo by Garrett W. Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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DENVER, CO – JANUARY 12: Jarell Martin #1 of the Memphis Grizzlies defends Richard Jefferson #22 of the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center on January 12, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – JANUARY 12: Jarell Martin #1 of the Memphis Grizzlies defends Richard Jefferson #22 of the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center on January 12, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images) /

Glue Guy #6: Richard Jefferson (2017-2018)

Richard Jefferson is another glue guy who fits the mold of someone like Mike Miller. He didn’t see too many minutes on the court, but he was a steadying veteran presence on a young team. he was a vocal leader for the team, and taught the young players valuable lessons.

Jefferson has been in the NBA for a long time, and has played alongside greats such as Vince Carter, Tim Duncan, and LeBron James. Everyone who has played with Jefferson raves about his ability on the court, as well as his high basketball IQ. Coaches love him, and he can be a pain to play against because he gives 110% on every possession.

Jefferson knew his role on the Nuggets. With so much depth, he knew it was going to be hard for him to see the floor. He knew that his role was going to be a mentor, and to sit back and enjoy the ride. Jefferson embraced that role, and provided leadership to a team that was relatively inexperienced. After the Nuggets were eliminated from the playoffs at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves in the final game of the season, Jefferson explained that building a championship team takes time. From Mile High Sports:

"“I think that there are things sprouting but, just like a seed you plant, it sprouts before it becomes an oak tree. It takes time,” Jefferson eloquently explained. “Ultimately, we can look at that we won six games in a row and we had a seventh game opportunity that went to overtime. There are a lot of positives in that, but you cannot just look at anything at the end. You have to look at the entire process.”"

Jefferson knows what it takes to win a championship, as he was on Cleveland’s championship winning team in 2016. He has proven himself to be a valuable player in the NBA, and his presence on the Nuggets helped in so many different ways.

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Let’s hope the Nuggets re-sign Jefferson this off season to provide that veteran leadership once again, this time hopefully during the regular season and the playoffs.