Last season, Joshua Jefferson put out a lot of tape at Iowa State that has NBA scouts on board with the idea that he could translate into a difference-maker at the pro level
Now that the 2026 NBA Draft is drawing ever closer since the Pistons are in the offseason after their second round playoff exit, Detroit has an opportunity to plug what few holes exist on a 60-win squad that finished among the final eight teams in the playoffs but aspired for much more.
Based on last year’s regular season numbers, the Pistons put forth the league’s No. 17 three-point field goal percentage, so connecting on the deep ball was never a huge aspect to Detroit’s winning formula. Instead, the Pistons relied on defensive integrity to force turnovers that sparked quick transition baskets, and if that solution was not fruitful then Cade Cunningham could always flex to a more scoring-dominant role to close out games in the 2025-26 campaign.
But on top of that lack for perimeter shooting, the Pistons have a sizable hole in their lineup with starting power forward Tobias Harris entering unrestricted free agency. Pistons President of Basketball Operations Trajan Langdon has mentioned that he wants to retain Harris for another go-around, but there is no sense in avoiding the reality that he’s a 35-year old vet who could transition to a less demanding role off the bench in the future.
If Detroit is open to making that shift sooner rather than later, then Langdon should explore the possibility of landing a player like Iowa State power forward Joshua Jefferson in the draft if he’s available at the No. 21 pick after his Wooden All-American-caliber season as a senior.
Last year, Jefferson set himself apart as one of the most connective big men in the nation with an average of 16.4 points, 7.4 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game to form what is a balanced, well-rounded offering of basketball contributions. While Jefferson is comfortable dribbling up court and hitting perimeter jump shots (34.5% from three-point range last season), that’s not necessarily his game.
What Jefferson does do extremely well is make heady passes that require near-constant offensive scanning to pull off. For a big man at 6-9 and 240 pounds, Jefferson is adept enough to make slick entry passes from the perimeter or kick the ball out when working in the mid-range game closer to the basket. In many ways, Jefferson excels at many of the same areas which allowed for Harris to carve out such a lengthy NBA career.
In fact, Jefferson already understands the importance of making smart passes. Last season, Jefferson was able to finish his two-year Iowa State career with 167 assists, which ranks 19th in program history, as just another impressive feat for a big man to accomplish from an offensive perspective.
On defense, Jefferson has acquitted himself well over the past two seasons as a Cyclone with 1.6 steals and 0.8 blocks per game last year. Jefferson has the timing to slow down his defensive process and make plays (that force turnovers) at critical junctures, which is a tendency that will open the door to playing time in the Motor City if he’s selected by the Pistons on June 23.
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