Jefferson played for the Nets, Milwaukee Bucks, San Antonio Spurs, Golden State Warriors, Utah Jazz, Dallas Mavericks, Cleveland Cavaliers (where he won an NBA title alongside LeBron James in 2016), and Denver Nuggets throughout his 17-year NBA career. In his career, the first-round pick averaged 12.6 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists. He played at Louisiana Tech before entering the league. Jefferson was one of eight players selected in the first round of the 2001 NBA Draft. He is also one of only two players who have won an NBA title with each of the three most recent champions: The Cavs with James, the Warriors with Stephen Curry, and the Nuggets with Paul Millsap. After playing only six games during the 2011-12 season due to knee injuries, Jefferson announced his retirement from the NBA on September 23, 2012. He had said that he wanted to quit basketball because of his knees. He had surgery on both knees within a year's time. During his career, Jefferson played against many top players including Allen Iverson, Shawn Marion, Chris Webber, Tim Duncan, Kevin Durant, Carmelo Anthony, and James. He outplayed all of them except for Iverson. Jefferson had some tough matches against Iverson but they always ended in close games where Jefferson came out on top. After leaving the Nuggets, Jefferson signed with the Los Angeles Clippers as a free agent.