Joshua Jefferson, the hometown standout from Liberty High School in Henderson, is officially headed to the NBA. The 6‑foot‑9 forward heard his name called late in the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft on Tuesday night when the Brooklyn Nets used their pick on the former Iowa State star, turning a local prep phenom into the valley’s newest pro.
According to KTNV, Brooklyn grabbed Jefferson late in the opening round. The pick, No. 28 overall, became available to the Nets after a three‑team deal involving Minnesota, NBC Sports reported.
College Credentials and Size
Iowa State’s roster and game notes list Jefferson as a consensus second‑team All‑American who averaged about 16.4 points, 7.4 rebounds and 4.8 assists last season while measuring in at roughly 6‑9, according to Iowa State Athletics. NBA.com’s draft profile points to his playmaking instincts, defensive versatility and overall feel for the game, projecting him as a connective, position‑versatile forward who looks ready to slot into an NBA rotation role.
Henderson Roots and Late‑Game Heroics
Before the national accolades, Jefferson was busy filling stat sheets at Liberty High. As a senior he averaged roughly 17–18 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and two steals, and he scored the final six points of regulation to tie Liberty’s dramatic 2022 Class 5A state‑title win over Bishop Gorman, according to his Saint Mary’s bio and local records. He also picked up major statewide honors, including Nevada Preps All‑Southern Nevada Boys Athlete of the Year and MaxPreps Player of the Year, before starting his college career at Saint Mary’s and later transferring to Iowa State.
What He Brings to Brooklyn
At the NBA level, Jefferson profiles as a 6‑9 playmaker who can initiate offense from the perimeter, switch across multiple positions on defense and create looks for teammates. Those traits, highlighted in NBA.com’s scouting notes, figure to make him an appealing late first‑round value for a Nets roster looking for more size and secondary playmaking. How quickly he earns steady minutes will likely come down to his three‑point consistency and how he holds up against NBA wings on the glass and in transition.
Next up for Jefferson is Brooklyn’s summer league and a full offseason of work with a franchise reshaping its roster after its draft‑night moves. Back in Henderson, coaches and Liberty High alumni now have another reason to brag, as one of their own keeps the Las Vegas valley in the national spotlight on draft night.
