Iowa State's Joshua Jefferson is Climbing Up Mocks Ahead of NBA Draft

Don’t look now, but Iowa State power forward Joshua Jefferson is starting to gain real momentum in NBA mocks as the date for the event gets closer.

Jefferson was a standout at Iowa State, but he’s been flying under the radar in mocks. Now, he’s starting to be projected to go closer to the middle of the first round than the end.

In a mock feature out on Wednesday, May 20, Isaac Trotter of CBS Sports lays out his picks after the Combine. “Beyond the measurements and testing, the conversations behind the scenes provide an illuminating look at where some of the top NBA Draft prospects are trending,” he states in the piece.

For Jefferson, he has him going at No. 27 to the Boston Celtics.

More sports news: Raptors Finally Have an Answer to Their 3-Point Woes

“Boston needs to create easier shots, and Joshua Jefferson can help the Celtics do just that,” he states in the piece. “He is one of the top processors in this draft. The 6-foot-9 burly forward is pound-for-pound as good a passer as anybody, and Jefferson’s jumper has improved every single season.”

My Take: What Makes Iowa State’s Joshua Jefferson Stand Out?

More sports news: What Do the Pistons Need to Do to Get to the Next Level?

There’s plenty to like about Jefferson. He isn’t really an explosive, highlight-reel athlete, but his basketball IQ, passing, and defense are the kind of steady qualities winning teams need. He found success at both Saint Mary’s and Iowa State, and that same well-rounded game should help him carve out a role in the NBA.

2026 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.

This story was originally published May 23, 2026 at 11:57 AM.