Just My Type

The Interview

Richard Jefferson
NBA Swingman

The former Buck, who averaged 19.6 points per game last year, was acquired by the Spurs for Bruce Bowen and Kurt Thomas

Dan Patrick: When you first found out about the trade, what did you think?

Richard Jefferson: I was shocked, to tell you the truth. The fact that San Antonio was able to keep its three main players [Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginóbili] was even more of a shock. It immediately got a buzz going—on my phone and in my head.

DP: Who was the first Spur you spoke to?

RJ: Tim Duncan. He texted me a couple times. We had a pretty good relationship on that stellar USA team back in 2004. I think we bonded through stress over that experience [when the team lost three games at the Olympics and left with the bronze medal]. And so we kept in touch. He was excited. I tell you what, to have the opportunity to play with him and [coach Gregg] Popovich—it's one of the biggest thrills I've ever had in my career.

DP: Who's the team to beat in the West?

RJ: The Lakers. They're the defending champions. The one thing I will never disrespect is the defending champions.

DP: You're getting married soon, aren't you?