Joshua Jefferson Cleared for Season Opener After Preseason Back Sickness

Nets first-round pick Joshua Jefferson practiced full contact on Monday and is available for Wednesday's season opener against the Charlotte Hornets. The No. 28 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft out of Iowa State missed all of Brooklyn's preseason games due to back soreness. In three Summer League games, Jefferson averaged 7.3 points, 1.7 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 2.0 steals across 21.3 minutes.