The Brooklyn Nets went into the 2026 NBA Draft hunting for building blocks. They came out with two. After grabbing Louisville guard Mikel Brown Jr. with the No. 6 pick, the Nets turned around at No. 28 and landed Iowa State forward Joshua Jefferson. And if you watched him at all this past season, you know why that late first-rounder looks like a bargain.
Jefferson was a monster as a senior for the Cyclones. First-team All-Big 12. Consensus second-team All-American. The 6-foot-8 forward averaged 16.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.6 steals while shooting 47.4% from the field, 34.5% from three and 70% from the line. He was the only player in the country who put up those exact averages with that kind of efficiency. That’s not nothing.
The passing is what separates him
Here’s the thing about Jefferson that made NBA scouts sit up straight: he’s a 6-foot-8 guy who handles the ball like a lead guard and makes reads like a 10-year vet. His 5.6 assists per 36 minutes and 1.88 assist-to-turnover ratio are legit for a big man. He plays at his own pace, never rushed, and he punishes defenses that rotate a split second late. Whether it’s hitting cutters from the high post or snatching a rebound and pushing in transition, the ball tends to end up in the right spot.
Three minutes of Joshua Jefferson dimes for you. pic.twitter.com/SV9FPUrm2k
Jefferson’s also a grab-and-go threat off the defensive glass. He’s got real ball skills for his size, and he’s fluid enough to attack mismatches in the halfcourt without looking stiff or mechanical. That combination of strength and touch made him a handful for college defenses all year.
The questions are fair but maybe overblown
The obvious concern is the jumper. Over four college seasons, Jefferson shot just 31.5% from three. But his senior year was his best: 34.5% on 3.1 attempts per game. That’s not elite, but it’s trending in the right direction. He’ll need to keep improving to space the floor in Brooklyn’s offense, especially if he’s playing off Brown or other ball-dominant guards.
There’s also the athleticism question. Jefferson isn’t a freak leaper or a blur in the open floor. He’s solidly built and smart, but average quickness can be a problem on the perimeter at the NBA level. And he’ll turn 23 before his rookie season starts, which for a rebuilding team is a little old. But the Nets aren’t exactly in a position to be picky. They need guys who can play, and Jefferson can play.
His size, feel for the game, passing vision and improving shot make him a worthwhile roll of the dice at No. 28. The Nets aren’t trying to win a title next year. They’re trying to find pieces that fit together. Jefferson looks like one of those pieces.
Grade: B+
Leave a Comment