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RJ joined a live chat live on Feb. 3.
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As part of the Black History Month celebration, presented by Amtrak, NJNets.com hosted a live chat with Nets forward Richard Jefferson on Feb. 3.
Jefferson, a first-round draft pick in 2001, is averaging nearly 19 points a game this year -- his fifth NBA campaign. Back in 2004, he played for Team USA in the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece.
If you missed the live chat, here is the transcript.
Richard Jefferson: I'm not sure. I'd have to get voted in by the coaches, and that's outta my control. We'll just have to wait and see.
Richard Jefferson: Ha-ha (Laughing) I was in the contest once, and I probably won't do it again, it's more for the young guys and the up-and-comers.
Richard Jefferson: What can I say that hasn't already been said? He was a pioneer. He was not only influential in black history, but in world history.
Richard Jefferson: I did know that, but only until about three years after I got into the NBA. It's funny, because it's a pretty common name. You'd assume there'd have been multiple guys in the league with that name already.
Richard Jefferson: My bastketball inspiration was probably Magic Johnson. And then, as I got older, Scottie Pippen and Penny Hardaway. I really loved watching those guys play.
Richard Jefferson: Not sure about writing a book. I'd have to find a topic that would not only interest basketball fans, but other people, who might not be limited to just interest in basketball.
Richard Jefferson: I think the more familiar we become with each other, the more consistent we'll be. If you look at the most consistent team in the NBA right now, the Pistons, they have had a very consistent lineup for the past three years.
Richard Jefferson: The first time I ever dunked I was probably a freshman in high school. The best dunk I can do...I think I'm a game dunker....so it is a spur of the moment thing, depending on the situation of the game.
Richard Jefferson: No pregame rituals. The reason I wear No. 24, is that No. 44 my college number was taken. Also I wasn't allowed to wear No. 4. So, No. 24 was the next best thing.
Richard Jefferson: Historic. He is a special player, and has been since he came into the NBA. He's exceeded all expectations.
Richard Jefferson: It is. I actually live on NYC. And that in itself, is an experience.
Richard Jefferson: Least favorite? I don't know, I think the crazier the crowd, the more fun it is to play there. I might say Atlanta, the team has struggled and the fan support isn't really there, so it might be a little harder to get up for a game there, in that environment.
Richard Jefferson: We run a different offense this year, and we don't fastbreak as much. So, it's a big tougher to get out there and get alley-oops and the stuff that fans enjoy to watch. I'm not cautious because of my injury. If you look at my free throw attempts, it is about the same as past years, so going by that, you can see that I'm attacking the basket at the same rate as always.
Richard Jefferson: I still keep in contact with Ricky and Jason I see them alot during the summer. Me and Gilbert are very competitive. He gives me trash about making the All-Star game before me, but I get back to him with some stuff I don't really wanna say here, because some people my interpret it as my being conceited.
Richard Jefferson: To tell you the truth, you have to be very careful what you say in the media. Being around JKidd and being in the NY area, I learn that. Even though I mostly compliment everyone and stay optimistic, maybe my truer thoughts are kept inside, because I don't want them to be used against me or my teammates.
Richard Jefferson: Thank you to everyone who chatted with me today. I appreciate your support and hope you keep supporting the Nets.
