Joshua

Jefferson

Jefferson injured his ankle during the second round of the NCAA tournament and did not play in any of the Nets’ games in Salt Lake City or Friday’s win over the Knicks in Las Vegas. Despite not even participating in team practices, there is hope that the 6-foot-8 forward from Iowa State will make his summer debut on Saturday against the Hawks. Jefferson can do a little bit of everything at the forward position, which is why he worked his way into the first round of last month’s draft.

After two seasons at Saint Mary’s, Jefferson transferred to Iowa State, where his career truly blossomed. A consensus All-American as a senior, he averaged 16.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 1.6 steals, 0.8 blocks and 1.1 three-pointers while shooting 47.1 percent from the field and 70.0 percent from the foul line. The 6-foot-8 forward brings a high basketball IQ to the table, similar to that of another former Iowa State standout, Georges Niang, and his perimeter shot has steadily improved. While the Timberwolves drafted him, Jefferson will be headed to Brooklyn as part of the Julius Randle trade. With the Nets in a rebuild, the playmaking forward should get opportunities to contribute, even if he’s likely to come off the bench. Jefferson will likely be more valuable in dynasty leagues than redraft leagues next season.