The Philadelphia 76ers select Iowa State forward Joshua Jefferson in Bleacher Report's newest 2026 NBA mock draft.
The Philadelphia 76ers' power forward position is led by undrafted gem Dominick Barlow and former second-round pick Jabari Walker.
While Barlow and Walker earned standard contracts with the 76ers due to their level of play, it may be worth investing more into the position this offseason. One method of doing so is the 2026 NBA Draft.
The 76ers' first-round pick belongs to the Oklahoma City Thunder (top-four protected), but they acquired the Houston Rockets' first-rounder in the trade that sent sophomore guard to the Thunder. The selection is projected to be in the mid-20s, as the Rockets are the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference with a record of 39-24.
Bleacher Report's new mock draft sees Philadelphia select Iowa State Cyclones forward Joshua Jefferson with the No. 25 pick.
B/R's Zach Buckley wrote, "The Sixers should probably be on the search for a power forward this offseason, and few in the country have played it better than Jefferson."
The senior wing spent two seasons with the Saint Mary's Gaels before joining the Cyclones for his final two college seasons. He is in the midst of a career year, averaging 16.6 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 5.0 assists on 45.7% shooting and 35.1% shooting from three-point range in 31 games played.
"Critics might see an older, slower prospect without a standout skill, but optimists will covet the kind of versatility that should fit a number of roles. He's been an impact scorer, rebounder, and playmaker for the Cyclones, and his ability to orchestrate offense as a 6'8", 220-pounder is highly compelling," Buckley concluded.
A determining factor in whether the 76ers consider selecting Jefferson is whether they're looking to compete now or build around the young backcourt of Tyrese Maxey and V.J. Edgecombe. Jefferson is already 22 years old, meaning he's ready to contribute to a championship contender right away.
If Philadelphia is looking to develop talent around Maxey and Edgecombe, opting for a younger, less-polished prospect is the route to take.
Join The 76ersRoundtable Community
Head over to the 76ersRoundtable page and hit the "Join" button under the featured story... it's completely FREE! You'll have the opportunity to engage with other 76ers fans who live and breathe the team, share your thoughts on the organization, and more. If you're asked to sign up or download the Roundtable app... that's free too.
Anthony Pasciolla is the publisher of 76ersRoundtable. He can be reached via email at ampasciolla@gmail.com or followed on X @AnthonyPasci.