Jeffries played basketball for the Indiana University Hoosiers, where he played for two years before forgoing his junior and senior years to enter the NBA draft. Jeffries was recruited by Bob Knight, but Knight was fired shortly before his freshman season. Jeffries was a key cog in the Hoosiers' Cinderella run to the 2002 NCAA title game. Against #1 Duke in the East Regional semifinals, Jeffries had 24 points and 15 rebounds to lead IU to a 74–73 upset victory. Jeffries received the 2002 Silver Basketball from the Chicago Tribune as the Most Valuable Player of the Big Ten.
Jeffries was selected by the Washington Wizards with the 11th pick in the 2002 NBA draft. As a lottery-level pick, Jeffries received a guaranteed three-year contract with the Wizards.[2] Jeffries appeared in 20 games alongside Michael Jordan during his rookie season, which was cut short when he tore his ACL during practice.[3] However, he appeared in all 82 games during his sophomore season and was a regular starter during the 2004–05 season. On October 31, 2004, the Wizards exercised a contract option to keep Jeffries with the team through the 2005–06 season.[4]
New York Knicks (2006–2010)
The New York Knicks signed Jeffries on August 8, 2006, after the Washington Wizards declined to match the Knicks' offer.[5] Shortly before the 2006 season, Jeffries suffered a wrist injury[6] and missed the first 23 games of the season.
On December 16, 2006, Jeffries was involved in the Knicks–Nuggets brawl. He was suspended for four games.
Houston Rockets (2010–2011)
On February 18, 2010, Jeffies was traded to the Houston Rockets along with Jordan Hill as part of a three team trade which sent Tracy McGrady to the New York Knicks. Jeffries agreed to a buyout with the Rockets on February 25, 2011.[7]
Return to New York (2011–2012)
On March 1, 2011, Jeffries rejoined the Knicks.[8]
Jeffries' final NBA game was on March 10, 2013, in a 96 – 98 loss to the New Orleans Hornets where he played for 14+1⁄2 minutes and recorded no stats other than 2 fouls. On April 18, 2013, the Trail Blazers announced that they had waived Jeffries.[10]
Post-playing career
In September 2013, Jeffries retired from the NBA in conjunction with accepting a front office position with the Denver Nuggets as a pro personnel scout.[11][12][13]
In April 2016, Jeffries was promoted to Director of Player Personnel for the Nuggets.[14]
In July 2017, Jeffries was named President of Echo Fox, an eSports organization founded by former NBA player Rick Fox.[15]
On October 18, 2022, Jeffries was a contestant on The Price Is Right, winning a pair of TAG Heuer watches, then a Toyota Corolla playing One Away.[16] His show aired on January 9, 2023. Due to his 6'11" height, he was unable to drive the small car so he gave it to his daughter as a gift.[17]
During the summer of 2013, Jeffries began filming as the host of a fishing television series documenting his fishing adventures around the world.[19] The show, Modern Fishing with Jared Jeffries, premiered December 30, 2013 on the Outdoor Channel and is now in its fourth season.[20]
