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The Nets assigned Jefferson to the G League's Long Island Nets on Monday, the team announced.
Jefferson will head to Brooklyn's G League affiliate to receive additional developmental opportunities after seeing limited action at the NBA level. The rookie forward could move between Brooklyn and Long Island throughout the season but remains off the fantasy radar in standard leagues.
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Nets' Joshua Jefferson: Available for Wednesday
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Jefferson (back) is available for Wednesday's game against Charlotte, Sharif Phillips-Keaton of USA Today reports.
After missing the entire preseason, Jefferson practiced in full Monday and has the green light to return. He projects as an emergency depth option to open the season.
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Nets' Joshua Jefferson: Remains on sidelines
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Jefferson (back) has yet to fully participate in team activities and remains without a timetable for his return, Erik Slater of ClutchPoints.com reports.
Coach Jordi Fernandez confirmed Friday that the rookie is still dealing with back stiffness and isn't ready to return, although Jefferson has participated in portions of team activities and has been doing conditioning work. Fernandez was also unable to confirm whether Jefferson has undergone imaging. With Brooklyn's regular-season opener against Charlotte scheduled for Wednesday, it's safe to rule him out.
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Nets' Joshua Jefferson: Another absence coming
Rotowire
Jefferson (back) won't play in Wednesday's preseason game versus the Heat, per Erik Slater of ClutchPoints.com.
The rookie first-rounder will now have been sidelined for the entire preseason with a back injury, costing him valuable reps this fall. His status is up in the air for Wednesday's regular-season opener against the Hornets.
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Nets' Joshua Jefferson: Another absence coming
Rotowire
Jefferson (back) is out for Monday's preseason game against the Wizards, Brian Lewis of the New York Post reports.
Jefferson will be sidelined for his third straight exhibition. The rookie forward will have one more chance to return during the preseason, which comes against the Heat on Oct. 14.
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Nets' Joshua Jefferson: Ruled out Thursday
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Jefferson (back) will not play in Thursday's preseason game against the 76ers, Brian Lewis of the New York Post reports.
Jefferson will miss his second consecutive preseason contest after sitting out Tuesday's win over Charlotte. The rookie forward's return timeline remains unclear, and the missed time could limit his opportunities to compete for a rotation role ahead of the regular season.
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Nets' Joshua Jefferson: Dealing with back issue
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Jefferson (lower back) is out for Tuesday's preseason game against Charlotte, Brian Lewis of the New York Post reports.
The severity of the issue is unknown, but the Nets may be opting for caution during the preseason. The No. 28 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft will be looking to carve out a rotation role in a crowded frontcourt.
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Nets' Joshua Jefferson: Won't suit up Sunday
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Jefferson (rest) has been ruled out for Sunday's Summer League game against the Thunder, Erik Slater of ClutchPoints.com reports.
Jefferson is healthy but will be sidelined for the Nets' Summer League finale for rest purposes. The rookie out of Iowa State averaged 7.3 points, 2.0 steals, 1.7 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 21.2 minutes per contest across three Summer League appearances in Las Vegas.
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Nets' Joshua Jefferson: Quiet in debut Saturday
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Jefferson ended with nine points (1-8 FG, 0-4 3Pt, 5-6 FT), one rebound, one assist and two steals over 26 minutes in Saturday's 83-76 Summer League loss to the Hawks.
Jefferson made his Summer League debut Saturday. However, he struggled overall, finishing with only nine points while shooting an inefficient 1-for-8 from behind the field. The 22-year-old was selected with the No. 28 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft after spending his final collegiate season at Iowa State in 2025-26. In 35 appearances, including one NCAA Tournament game, Jefferson averaged 16.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 0.8 blocks and 1.6 steals over 30.9 minutes.
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Nets' Joshua Jefferson: Available to play Saturday
Rotowire
Jefferson will play in Saturday's Summer League game versus Atlanta, Erik Slater of ClutchPoints.com reports.
Jefferson wasn't available to suit up until the trade between the Timberwolves and Nets that centered around Nic Claxton and Julius Randle was finalized. The 22-year-old Jefferson, selected with the No. 28 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, finished his collegiate career at Iowa State, most recently averaging 16.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 0.8 blocks and 1.6 steals over 30.9 minutes in 35 appearances, including one NCAA Tournament game.
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Nets' Joshua Jefferson: Sitting out Friday
Rotowire
Jefferson (undisclosed) won't play in Friday's Summer League game against the Knicks, per C.J. Holmes of the New York Daily News.
The Nets are likely giving the rookie first-rounder Friday off to manage his reps on the front end of a back-to-back set. Jefferson's next chance to play comes Saturday against Atlanta.
The Timberwolves selected Jefferson with the No. 28 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft and traded his rights to the Nets, Michael Scotto of USA Today reports.
The Nets used the pick they got from Minnesota in the Julius Randle trade to take Jefferson, who isn't the most explosive athlete and still has room to grow as a three-point shooter. However, he's a capable ballhandling wing, a willing passer and projects as a solid NBA role player. He showcased his all-around game during his final season at Iowa State, averaging 16.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 1.1 triples and 1.6 steals per contest.
