Utah Jazz: Should I Stay Or Should I Go?

Feb 26, 2014; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Phoenix Suns shooting guard

(14) defends against Utah Jazz small forward

(24) during the second half at EnergySolutions Arena. The Jazz won 109-86. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

Richard Jefferson

Out of all three of the players that came over in that trade the Jazz did with the Warriors last off season, Richard Jefferson was the only one who actually cared to be here. Jefferson was the only one who wanted to come in and prove that he could play. He did that.

Jefferson was probably the most surprising player to me out of all the Jazz players this season. Jefferson was the veteran guy that helped the young guys get better. He was the veteran guy that was the mentor to everyone, that told them when they screwed up how to fix it. Jefferson excepted his role on this team and it was a fantastic thing to see.

Jefferson is getting up there in age and would have been overlooked by most NBA teams next season, had he checked out like Rush did. However, he probably has a pretty good chance at signing with a contender next season, which is what he wants. If you can remember, earlier in the season, Jefferson did an interview with Sirius XM and said that next season he will be going chasing after a ring.

Teams like the Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers, San Antonio Spurs, and Oklahoma City Thunder could be calling for RJ this off season. He still has value and can really shoot well from three point range. Teams like the four listed above could use that off the bench. I personally enjoyed having RJ here this season. Some other Jazz fans will agree, but there will be some who don’t. Regardless, he helped mentor the young guys and those young guys will tell you that was a huge help for them.

Prediction: Signs Elsewhere