Jefferson signed autographs and participated in a shooting contest at the NBA Store. Jennifer Pottheiser/Turtlebox Productions
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New Jersey Nets forward Richard Jefferson has made a name for himself on the court with his high-flying athleticism. But the five-year veteran is just as active off the court. He is working to promote the first NBA Store Holiday Toy Drive. From December 5th through December 21st, people can donate gifts at the NBA Store in New York City. The gifts will then be handed out to kids at homeless shelters, community centers, and hospitals around the New York area. We caught up with Jefferson to talk about toys, the holiday season, and life in the NBA.

How did you get involved with the NBA Store Toy Drive?

I'd like to say I'm an employee of the NBA. They always have events that they want players to get involved in and this is one of the ones that you look forward to.

What kind of gifts have been donated so far?

I haven't had a chance to see too many gifts yet, but it doesn't matter what kind of gift you get - it could be a basketball, whatever you want - and kids will be smiling on Christmas day. The more stuff that people bring, the more kids are going to be happy.

What's on your holiday wish list this year?

I try and tell everybody, "Don't get me anything for Christmas." If I ever want something, I just get it on my own. I'm a simple guy, get me some t-shirts, get me some cologne, some DVDs. I don't like nice things. I always lose them.

Who is your toughest competition in the Eastern Conference this year?

Right now, we're battling internally to just get into a rhythm and groove. I really believe that if we play to the best of our ability, we're the best team in the Eastern Conference. We've had some injuries and we're struggling a little bit, but I think [our toughest competition is] going to be ourselves.

Who is the hardest player to guard one-on-one in the league?

Kobe [Bryant]'s really tough, so is Dirk [Nowitzki]. They all pose different problems. Kobe's slashing. Dirk's shooting and size. Dwyane Wade is extremely tough because he's a vicious pick-and-roll player.

Do you think your teammate Jason Kidd can average a triple-double for an entire season?

He's never done that over the course of his career, and I think only one player has [Oscar Robertson in 1961-62 for the Cincinnati Royals]. But right now, he's averaging, I want to say 12 points, 8 or 9 rebounds, and like, 9 assists. So on any given night, he's going to be right there for a triple-double.

Do you and teammate Vince Carter ever challenge each other to dunk contests in practice?

Me and Vince did a commercial a few years ago for Nike that had us dunking against each other. I think we got it all out right then. I don't think we do that anymore. You get all of these young guys in warm-ups dunking and stuff. Me and Vince are just in lay-up lines trying to get loose. We don't exert any unnecessary energy anymore.

Does that mean you're getting too old to dunk?

By no means do I feel old. There was a time when you wanted to dunk just to dunk. Now it's more: I do it when I need to.