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“I have PTSD from facing Kevin Durant and Steph Curry”: Former NBA star talks about returning to the NBA

Samir Mehdi
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I have PTSD from facing Kevin Durant and Steph Curry

Richard Jefferson opens up about facing Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors in the Finals and him not wanting to play in the NBA again.

One of the most storied rivalries in NBA history is the rivalry between the LeBron James led Cleveland Cavaliers and the Steph Curry led Golden State Warriors from 2014-2018.

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Both teams met in the Finals 4 years in a row, with the Cavs notching 1 win out of the 4 Finals series; that win being their championship in 2016 where they came back down from a 3-1 series deficit to send the Warriors home.

A key veteran component of those Cleveland teams was Richard Jefferson. Recently, Jefferson was asked about whether he would consider hitting the hardwood again to which he had a hilariously stoic response.

Richard Jefferson comments on whether we would want to return to the league once again.

The 40 year old made it very clear right off the bat that he wanted no part of even thinking about making a return to the NBA.

Jefferson said, “No, absolutely not. That right there gives me PTSD. I came back down 3-1 against the greatest regular season team ever.”

He continued on by commending the ‘Warriors Big 4’ but saying, “KD, Steph, Klay, Draymond. Those guys will keep you up at night.”

Also read: ‘I didn’t take easy way out, I earned it’: Kevin Durant defends joining Steph Curry and Warriors from OKC

How long did Richard Jefferson play in the league for?

Richard Jefferson was drafted by the Houston Rockets 19 years ago in 2001 but played his first season in the NBA with the New Jersey Nets.

The Arizona Wildcat graduate retired to become a basketball analyst in 2018, meaning he played in the NBA for 17 seasons.

Jefferson has actually matched up against Dell Curry, Steph Curry’s father, in the NBA, and also against Steph Curry in the twilight years of his career.

About the author

Samir Mehdi

Samir Mehdi

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Samir Mehdi is a senior strategist for the NBA division at The Sportsrush. Ever since he was 13 years old, he’s been obsessed with the game of basketball. From watching Kobe Bryant’s highlights on YouTube to now, analyzing and breaking down every single game on League Pass, Samir’s passion for the game is unwavering. He's a complete basketball junkie who not only breaks down current games but also keenly watches ones from the 60s’ and 70s’ while also reading comprehensive books on the history of the league. Samir’s life revolves around basketball and he hopes that shows in his work. Aside from work, he loves to spend time in the gym and with his friends at social gatherings.

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