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Former Wildcat Richard Jefferson officiates in Summer League game

By Eric Townsend

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 11: ESPN sports analyst and former NBA player Richard Jefferson reacts to another referee's foul call as he officiates the second quarter of a game between the New York Knicks and the Portland Trail Blazers during the 2022 NBA Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 11, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Jefferson attended daily NBA Summer League officiating meetings while in Las Vegas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 11: ESPN sports analyst and former NBA player Richard Jefferson reacts to another referee's foul call as he officiates the second quarter of a game between the New York Knicks and the Portland Trail Blazers during the 2022 NBA Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 11, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Jefferson attended daily NBA Summer League officiating meetings while in Las Vegas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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LAS VEGAS, NV – Despite being away from the game for some time, former Wildcat Richard Jefferson took part in NBA action, this time as an NBA official.

It has been four years since former Wildcat Richard Jefferson took part in any NBA action, and on Monday night, the 17-year NBA veteran and current Basketball Analyst finally returned to the court!

However, this time it wasn’t as a player, instead, Jefferson traded in his suit and tie for a striped jersey and a whistle to be an NBA official.

In the days leading up to the Summer League game between the New York Knicks and the Portland Trail Blazers in Las Vegas, it was confirmed that Jefferson was going to officiate some of the action.

Officiating in just the second quarter of the game, former Wildcat Richard Jefferson can now use this experience to make him a better analyst.

While the stint is pretty comical overall, especially when you consider Jefferson’s demeanor and reputation as a jokester; however, Jefferson still had to put in the work to get ready for the NBA action.

As ESPN reported Jefferson had ”gone through hours of instruction for this 10-minute gig, studying video with other referees and NBA executives. He has been learning the terminology that referees use, along with the responsibilities that come with working each of the three positions on the officiating crew.”

While I don’t see NBA officiating becoming a regular gig for Jefferson; however, the experience was a bit of a light-hearted one, and it now gives Richard better insight and knowledge of the game.

Interestingly enough, former Wildcat Brandon Williams played in the game, finishing his evening with 10 points, four rebounds, and four assists on 2-7 shooting in 23 minutes played. Portland went on win 88-77.

As for Jefferson, here were his stats for the night!

  • 10 minutes officiated
  • 6 passes to a free throw shooter
  • 1 call overturned by another ref

Listen to Richard’s experience following his night of officiating!

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