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In surprise, Joshua Jefferson will be ready Wednesday

Brooklyn Nets rookie Joshua Jefferson (6’9”, 23) is set to make his NBA debut Wednesday after a prolonged injury-plagued buildup, surprising coaches and fans alike. Drafted 28th overall in 2026, Jefferson missed the Nets’ Summer League games due to league rules and an ankle injury from his Iowa State days, averaging just 7.3 points in three appearances.

His preseason was further derailed by back stiffness, forcing him to sit out all four games and even skip practice until recently. Head coach Jordi Fernandez confirmed Jefferson’s readiness Tuesday, noting his strong participation in contact drills—a sharp turnaround from just days ago, when the rookie was still recovering from conditioning workouts.

The Nets’ aggressive pursuit of Jefferson, including a multi-team trade to secure him, underscores his potential as a versatile point forward who could step in for Egor Demin or complement him on the wing. At 23, he’s the oldest first-round pick for Brooklyn since Mason Plumlee in 2013 and the ninth-oldest player on the roster, adding experience to the team’s youthful core.

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