The Cleveland Cavaliers were in the middle of the greatest comeback in NBA history during the 2016 NBA Finals. However, during that time, it appears the Cavs were also focused on another thing: hanging out with Justin Timberlake.
Now retired and on the Brooklyn Nets broadcast team, Richard Jefferson reflects back on his career and of course, the historic 2016 NBA Finals. The 38-year-old told Dave McMenamin of ESPN that during their championship run, the Cavs would hang out with Timberlake except him.
“I wasn’t sleeping. I was on f—ing autopilot mentally because I just wanted it so bad. I knew I didn’t have another 13 years to do this. There was just too much stress. So, yeah, I couldn’t f—ing go hang out with Justin Timberlake or hang out with anybody,” Jefferson said.
“That wasn’t where my mind was. My mind was in a room, not watching film, not scouting the Warriors’ bench, just trying to stay calm and get some sleep.”
It’s pretty interesting to hear Jefferson talk about this particular instance, as it seemed like he was one of the most well-liked guys on the team along with Channing Frye. Nonetheless, as a veteran who was expected to guide and be a role model to his Cavs teammates, his action isn’t that surprising.
Jefferson made it to the finals two times early in his career with the then New Jersey Nets. However, they never won back then, losing to the Los Angeles Lakers in 2002 and to the San Antonio Spurs in 2003.
The year 2016 was redemption time for Jefferson, as he won his first NBA title in his career. It was also his first finals appearance since his Nets days.