Joshua Jefferson — 6’8″, 245 lbs
Senior • 22 years old
— Consensus Second Team All-American
Breaking down the game of Joshua Jefferson, the 28th pick of the 2026 NBA Draft (Brooklyn Nets).
Jefferson is a power forward with outstanding passing and a connective quality. He consistently creates open looks for teammates, and he also has a serviceable 3-point jump shot (35% on 3 attempts).
But he’s a bit undersized and lacks ideal athleticism as a finisher (6-foot-8, 33-inch max vertical). To maximize his effectiveness at the next level, he’ll need to develop a more consistent face-up game.
Taking a deep look at what makes Jefferson special and what gives cause for concern.
Video Timestamps
0:00 Introduction and Overview
1:00 Will he struggle defending in drop coverage?
2:00 Passing acumen
4:15 Statistical overview
5:57 Uncomfortable in the mid-range offensively
7:01 Performance vs. Chris Cenac Jr.
8:10 Lack of athleticism as a finisher
10:14 Interior scoring package
11:52 Mid-range shooting struggles
12:47 Interior missed shots
13:39 Transition offense
14:01 Turnovers
14:42 3-point shooting makes
15:29 3-point shooting misses
16:13 Free throws
16:45 Defensive awareness and steals
17:47 On-ball defensive question marks
Statistical Overview
| Category | Stat |
|---|---|
| Minutes | 31 MPG |
| Points | 16.4 PPG |
| Rebounds | 7.4 RPG |
| Assists | 4.8 APG |
| FG% | 47% (11.8 FGA) |
| 3P% | 35% (3.1 3PA) |
| FT% | 70% (6.1 FTA) |
Shooting Breakdown
| Category | Stat |
|---|---|
| Total FG Attempts | 412 |
| Isolation Possessions | 5% of offensive possessions |
| Isolation FG Attempts | 21 |
| Catch-and-Shoot Jumpers | 36-100 (36.0%) |
| Off-the-Dribble Jumpers | 4-26 (15.4%) |
| Rim | 125-218 (57.3%) |
| Short Mid-Range Jumpers (<17 ft) | 4-18 (22.2%) |
| Long Mid-Range Jumpers (17 ft–3PT Line) | 1-6 (16.7%) |
| 3PT | 35% (3.1 3PA) |
| P&R Ball Handler FG | 9-34 (26.5%) |