When they were Nets, Jason Kidd created the illusion that Richard Jefferson would one day be worth the $14.2 million that the Spurs are now paying him. Jefferson makes more than both Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili. If Kidd's Mavs beat the Spurs tonight, they will go on to face each other again in round 1 of the playoffs.
Jefferson came to the Spurs via a trade with the Bucks for defensive specialist Bruce Bowen. Jefferson is having his worst statistical season as a starter with 12.3 ppg, 2.0 apg, and 0.6 spg. He's logging more more minutes than every Spur except Tim Duncan, while lagging behind in nearly all stat categories from points to +/-. San Antonio will finish the season with their lowest 82 game win total in the Tim Duncan era.
If the Spurs face the Mavs in the playoffs, Jefferson will be asked to guard Shawn Marion and Caron Butler, both acquired by the Mavericks this season. Marion & Butler have each elevated Dallas in defensive intensity, versatility and wins while making millions less than Jefferson.
Jefferson and the Spurs will likely fall short tonight in Dallas and in round 1 of the playoffs. Marion & Butler should outplay Jefferson on both ends of the court.
And the Spurs will begin looking for a team that will take Jefferson's expiring contract.
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