Richard Jefferson interview
By Randy Zellea | Apr. 16, 2008
On Thursday the NBA season ended, and the New Jersey Nets finished with a disappointing 34 wins and 48 losses, missing the playoffs. Small forward Richard Jefferson had a career year statistically and averaged 22.6 points, 4.2 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game. InsideHoops.com contributor Randy Zellea met with RJ in New Jersey yesterday after the Nets defeated the Bobcats.
InsideHoops.com: Do you think the roster needs to be tinkered with? You guys didn't have a full training camp or full season together.
Richard Jefferson: We're disappointed because we feel that we were talented enough to finish the season off better then what we did so there is disappointment there, but we feel like after a good amount of time together we will be better and have a shot.
InsideHoops.com: Over the years you have played with a lot of different guys. Understanding it's a business, and players move on from one team to another, is it hard to keep friendships alive in this league?
Richard Jefferson: There are guys down the line I have had success with, yeah. Numerous guys down the line like Jacque Vaughn, Malik Allen, Jabari Smith, so there are a lot of guys I enjoyed being their teammate, and we kept in touch on different levels regardless on being on different teams.
InsideHoops.com: While off the court, what do you do with your non-basketball time?
Richard Jefferson: I'm big relax guy, I like to sit at home and relax, maybe have some people over but nothing too crazy , pretty chill atmosphere.
InsideHoops.com: I heard you were a big video game guy.
Richard Jefferson: Yeah, good way to chill...
InsideHoops.com: Better bowler, you or Vince?
Richard Jefferson: Ah, Vince. Murdered me, I don't even lie. I lie a lot about things, but thats not even a good lie.
InsideHoops.com: While at home relaxing, what do you watch on TV?
Richard Jefferson: Favorite shows... I like sitcoms. I hate reality shows so I like stuff like Family Guy, South Park, Nip-Tuck. Two and a Half Men is probably my favorite sitcom. I like a lot of the family shows like Yes Dear. You know, those bland shows. I think they are funny.
InsideHoops.com: Any truth to the rumor that Gilbert Arenas and yourself are going to try and outbid each other in donations this summer?
Richard Jefferson: No, because there is nothing for him to outbid on, that's the thing. He missed his opportunity. Those types of things come around once in a lifetime. So unless they are planning on putting another sports building there, which I don't think they are, I don't think he will have the chance to outbid me. He missed his opportunity.
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