Richard Jefferson didn’t get much playing time during his two-year stint with the Golden State Warriors from 2012-13.
But after each practice, then-assistant coach Michael Malone watched Jefferson play 1-on-1 with youngsters like Draymond Green, Klay Thompson and Harrison Barnes.
Malone, now the head coach of the Denver Nuggets, believes Jefferson had a “profound” impact on helping develop those players into NBA champions. Now the Nuggets are calling on Jefferson to provide a similar presence to their young core, as Jefferson officially joined the organization Thursday after signing a one-year contract.
“My job is to kind of get here and be the old grumpy man,” Jefferson said, “and make sure everyone’s working and make sure guys are putting in that extra time.