Saturday night’s game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Denver Nuggets will serve as a championship reunion for Richard Jefferson, J.R. Smith, LeBron James, Tristan Thompson, and Kevin Love, who were all members of the Cavs’ 2015-16 squad that defeated the Golden State Warriors in epic come-from-behind fashion (down three games to one). This time, however, Jefferson will be hoisting shots for the opposing side.
Jefferson, now 37 years of age, signed a one-year, $2.3 million contract with the Nuggets in October.
Both James and Smith commented on their matchup against Jefferson after Saturday morning’s practice session at Cleveland Clinic Courts.
Smith, who was suspended from Thursday night’s 108-97 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers due to detrimental conduct, tells FOX Sports Ohio’s Fred McLeod that he won’t be chatting with R.J. during the game, as he’s a known prankster.
James couldn’t help but laugh when asked about playing Jefferson.
“Are you looking forward to playing R.J,” a reporter asked James after Saturday’s practice.
“No,” James told FOX Sports Ohio with a jovial grimace. “Ew! No, absolutely not. No…
“Nah, I am,” James said in a more serious tone. “(I) love R.J. It will be good to see him tonight, that’s for sure.”
Without question, Jefferson played a key role in the Cavs’ 2016 championship run — not just on the court, but also off it. Most hoops fans — especially Cavs fans — will remember The Road Trippin’ Podcast, which documented the ins and outs of everyday life with the team, sometimes in hilarious detail.
As James said, it will be nice to see R.J. again.