The Brooklyn Nets originally began the offseason with just the No. 6 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft as it relates to first-round picks before they went through with the Julius Randle trade. As part of getting Randle from the Minnesota Timberwolves, Brooklyn also acquired the No. 28 selection and they were able to select a player that could bring an interesting dynamic to the team moving forward.
With the No. 28 pick in the draft, the Nets selected Iowa State forward Joshua Jefferson, showing that the team was interested in what Jefferson brings to the table as a distributor and as a physical presence. It was interesting to see Brooklyn take Jefferson with Arizona forward Koa Peat and Arkansas guard Meleek Thomas still on the board, but it looks like the Nets are trying to have as many playmakers in the rotation as possible.
Jefferson is coming off a solid senior season for the Cyclones as he averaged 16.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.6 steals per game while shooting 47.1% from the field and 34.5% from behind the three-point line. Part of the season that Jefferson was available as late as he was despite his talents is due to his age (22) and his relative lack of athleticism, but he still has strengths that the Nets can take advantage of.
“Jefferson fits the Nets’ preferences for size, skill and playmaking ability and might be able to shore up their bench as a rookie,” ESPN’s Jeremy Woo wrote in his evaluation of Brooklyn’s pick of Jefferson. “He has an interesting role player profile as an older prospect who can help to fill lineup holes.”
As of this writing, the Nets’ starting lineup could be comprised of Mikel Brown Jr., whom they selected with the No. 6 pick earlier in the night, Egor Demin, Michael Porter Jr., Randle, and Day’Ron Sharpe. However, Brooklyn often lacked size coming off the bench outside of Sharpe so Jefferson could fill that role while also having the upside of a player that could stretch the floor if he improves his jumpshot.
This article originally appeared on Nets Wire: Nets select F Joshua Jefferson with 28th pick in 2026 NBA Draft
Reporting by Sharif Phillips-Keaton, Nets Wire / Nets Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Sharif Phillips-Keaton, Nets Wire | USA TODAY Network
