The Philadelphia 76ers hold the No. 22 pick in the June 23 draft after acquiring it via the Jared McCain trade with Oklahoma City through Houston. Joshua Jefferson, the 6-foot-9 senior forward from Iowa State, sits squarely in their range as a physical, high-IQ option who averaged 16.4 points, 7.4 rebounds and 4.8 assists in 35 games during the 2025-26 season.
Jefferson posted those numbers on 47.1 percent shooting from the field, 34.5 percent from three and 70 percent from the line while playing 30.9 minutes per game. His assist total jumped from 3.1 the prior year, and he ranked among the nation's top forwards in playmaking while grabbing 1.9 offensive rebounds per contest. The 240-pound forward also recorded 1.6 steals per game, underscoring his defensive activity.
Jefferson excels at operating from the nail as a passer who directs traffic and finishes possessions on the offensive glass. His NBA-ready frame and strong hands should translate to pick-and-roll coverage and rebounding battles. His below-the-rim athleticism and inconsistent perimeter shooting will require adjustments under Nick Nurse. The high basketball IQ compensates in college, but it will face tougher tests against quicker NBA wings.
The Sixers need exactly this type of energy and versatility off the bench to complement Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe. Jefferson's willingness to battle inside and facilitate for teammates aligns with a roster that reached the second round of the playoffs and now looks to add depth without sacrificing toughness.
On draft night the Sixers will weigh Jefferson against other forwards projected near the top 25. If he slides to 22, his combination of size, passing and defensive versatility makes him a logical target to fill a specific rotation hole.
Jefferson's profile ultimately rewards teams that value feel and physicality over raw explosiveness. Those traits have produced reliable rotation players when paired with strong coaching.
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