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Joshua Jefferson

Forward · Minnesota Timberwolves · 6'8", 210 lb · Iowa State · Drafted 28th overall, 2026
No. 28 pick (2026)2026 draft classIowa State
NBAMinnesota TimberwolvesForwards
Compare:vs Edwardsvs Dosunmuvs DiVincenzovs Evansvs McDanielsvs Beringer
In short

Joshua Jefferson is a forward the Minnesota Timberwolves selected 28th overall in the 2026 NBA draft out of Iowa State. An incoming rookie who makes his NBA debut in 2026-27 — projected role, ratings and outlook.

Matchup model · next gameMedium confidenceFri, Nov 13
vsNew Orleans PelicansAggressive hedge & help
Proj. points
5.6
range 2.9–8.3
Line 5.5
51%
to go over
Team win
63%
114–111
Poi 5.6 Lean overReb 5.2 Lean overAss 2.4 Lean underPRA 13.2 Lean over
Likely on himHerbert Jones· 84 Perimeter DStrong defender
5+ pts58%10+ pts7%

Model lines Jefferson at 5.6 pts (range 2.9–8.3) vs a 5.5 line — roughly a coin flip to clear it (51%).

Biggest edge: venue — home floor — small boost.

Full matchup breakdown · all markets →
Balladex Matchup Model — modeled from real roster ratings, scoring baselines & defender-matchup history. Schedule, availability & head-to-head samples are illustrative in this prototype; production wires live schedule, injury & player-tracking feeds. Not betting advice.
Scoring map · Joshua’s projected shot profile
Hottest: Rim 50% · Paint 21%
Rim — 50% of scoring, 41% of shotsCorner 3 (L) — 2% of scoring, 2% of shotsWing 3 (L) — 3% of scoring, 3% of shotsTop of key 3 — 4% of scoring, 4% of shotsWing 3 (R) — 4% of scoring, 4% of shotsCorner 3 (R) — 2% of scoring, 2% of shotsMid-range (L) — 6% of scoring, 8% of shotsPaint — 21% of scoring, 26% of shotsMid-range (R) — 7% of scoring, 9% of shots
  • Rim50%
  • Paint21%
  • Mid-range (R)7%
Projected shot profile — modeled from role, spacing & shooting splits. Not tracked shot data.
✦ Ask anything about Jefferson
The Jefferson Story — narrated
Tap play to hear his story, told as a 90-second short.
🔊 Prototype uses your browser's built-in voice. Production would use a studio-grade AI narrator.

Joshua Jefferson was the 28th pick of the 2026 NBA draft, headed to the Minnesota Timberwolves out of Iowa State.

He hasn't played an NBA game yet — his debut comes in 2026-27. Everything here is a Balladex prospect projection until real box scores arrive.

— end of story —
Want the full numbers? Open the breakdown →
Draft
#28 2026
Iowa State
Debut
2026-27
incoming
Role
Forward
projected
LIFE

Roots & the rise

Joshua Jefferson is an incoming 2026 first-round rookie forward for the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Selected 28th overall out of Iowa State in the 2026 NBA draft, Jefferson will make his NBA debut in the 2026-27 season.

Because he has not played an NBA game, this page carries no season stats — only clearly-labeled Balladex prospect ratings and outlook, which update once real data lands.

Sources: 2026 NBA Draft results (NBA.com and multiple outlets); projections by Balladex.

BEYOND THE GAME

Beyond the game

Jefferson joins the Minnesota Timberwolves as part of the 2026 rookie class, out of Iowa State.

PERSONALITY

The person

An incoming 2026 first-round forward out of Iowa State.

PLAYER DNA

Archetype & ratings

Archetype
Two-way wing prospect
Temperament
Steady
Leadership
59/100
Scoring52
Playmaking36
Rebounding48
Perimeter D44
Rim protection32
Spacing46
Athleticism58
Clutch44
28th pick, 2026Iowa State
ANALYSIS

What the numbers say

The prospect projection

Jefferson projects as a two-way wing prospect. These role ratings weight his 28th-overall billing and position — a starting estimate for an unproven rookie, not a verdict.

ADVANCED

Advanced & historical

Advanced metrics

Draft
#28
2026, Iowa State
Status
Incoming
debut 2026-27

Where he sits in history

2026Selected 28th overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Hardware

#28
2026 Draft pick
OUTLOOK

Where it's headed

AI-generated · updated Pre-debut (2026)

An incoming forward who debuts in 2026-27.

Joshua Jefferson's outlook is all projection right now. Balladex will replace these estimates with real numbers as his rookie season plays out.

Contract

Status
Rookie scale (incoming)
Bottom line

Promising 28th-overall prospect; check back once 2026-27 tips off.

FAQ

Quick answers

Where was Joshua Jefferson drafted?

Joshua Jefferson was selected 28th overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2026 NBA draft, out of Iowa State.

Does Jefferson have NBA stats yet?

Not yet — he's an incoming rookie who debuts in the 2026-27 season. The ratings and outlook here are clearly-labeled Balladex projections until real box scores arrive.