Richard Jefferson Career Points Overview
Richard Jefferson accumulated 11,853 regular season points over 16 NBA seasons, playing for the Houston Rockets, Denver Nuggets, Utah Jazz, New Jersey Nets, Golden State Warriors, Dallas Mavericks, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Milwaukee Bucks. He is best known for his tenure with the Nets, where he became a central offensive contributor and a two-time All-Star. This profile breaks down his career point totals by team and season, compares his production to key contemporaries, and maps the trajectory of his scoring across his professional tenure.
Key Career Statistics at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Total Regular Season Points | 11,853 | NBA official stats |
| Games Played | 971 | NBA official stats |
| Career PPG | 12.2 | Calculated from official totals |
| Playoff Points | 835 | NBA official stats |
| All-Star Appearances | 2 (2003, 2004) | NBA selection records |
Season-by-Season Point Progression
Jefferson’s scoring output evolved across his career, peaking in his late 20s and early 30s with the Nets. Early seasons with the Rockets and limited minutes in Denver were followed by steady growth with Utah and a breakout with New Jersey, where he averaged career-highs in points and minutes. His scoring remained efficient in Golden State and Dallas, before contributing veteran production in Cleveland and Milwaukee.
Notable Peak Seasons
- 2002–03 (Nets): 17.0 PPG on 47.0% shooting
- 2003–04 (Nets): 19.6 PPG on 46.5% shooting, All-Star
- 2007–08 (Warriors): 16.3 PPG on 42.8% shooting from three
- 2010–11 (Mavericks): 9.6 PPG in a deep playoff run as a starter
Team Contributions and Context
| Team | Points | Seasons | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston Rockets | 776 | 2 | Bench/Sixth man |
| Denver Nuggets | 921 | 3 | Starter/Scorer |
| Utah Jazz | 1,096 | 5 | Starter/Primary wing |
| New Jersey / Brooklyn Nets | 3,281 | 7 | Core offensive option |
| Golden State Warriors | 1,331 | 3 | Starter/Swing role |
| Dallas Mavericks | 1,021 | 2 | Starter/Key reserve |
| Cleveland Cavaliers | 1,931 | 3 | Starter/Veteran leader |
| Milwaukee Bucks | 476 | 1 | Bench contributor |
Contextual Comparisons
Jefferson’s 11,853 points place him among prolific mid-tier scoring forwards of his era, trailing perennial All-Stars but standing above many solid role scorers. His 12.2 PPG career average reflects durability and consistent production, supported by more than 950 games and balanced offensive skill sets: catch-and-shoot offense, post moves, and secondary playmaking. Notably productive during his Nets years, his scoring remained efficient even when usage dipped later in Cleveland and Milwaukee, showing adaptability across systems.
FAQ
Reader questions
How many career points does Richard Jefferson have?
Richard Jefferson has 11,853 career regular season points in the NBA.
What were his career-high scoring averages?
His career-high scoring average was 19.6 PPG in 2003–04 with the New Jersey Nets.
Did he ever lead his team in scoring?
Yes, Jefferson led the Nets in scoring during multiple seasons and was a primary option in Dallas and Cleveland.
How many All-Star selections did he receive?
He was selected as an All-Star twice, in 2003 and 2004.