Nets' Joshua Jefferson reacts to his NBA summer league debut

LAS VEGAS -- Brooklyn Nets rookie forward Joshua Jefferson had to wait a long time before he could officially step onto an NBA floor as a member of the Nets. The trade that brought Minnesota forward Julius Randle to Brooklyn was officially completed on Friday, paving the way for Jefferson to make his Las Vegas Summer League debut and he gave his thoughts on how he played.

"Definitely. I think today was my first game in like four months since March when I got hurt. So, it's really been a long time since I've been in a playing setting because I wasn't able to get any practice reps either," Jefferson said to the media following Saturday's 83-76 loss to the Atlanta Hawks. Jefferson finished the game with nine points and two steals, but he also shot just 1-of-8 from the field.

"So, I definitely think I'm gonna be fine. I showed some glimpses today of what I can do with the ball in my hand so I just got to keep playing," Jefferson continued before explaining how his skillset fits with Brooklyn's roster. "I think just the way my passing can affect the game, making everybody feel involved, get the ball flying around. It's easy to guard people when the ball's sticking in one person's hand."

Coming into the 2026 NBA Draft, Jefferson, whom the Nets selected with the No. 28 pick, was heralded as a forward with the versatility to be a playmaker within an offense along with bringing some intriguing long-range shooting if he improves in that area. Jefferson wasn't able to practice with Brooklyn in an official capacity until the trade was finalized, but he made up for lost time with how aggressive he was on the offensive end.

Heading into the 2026-27 NBA season, Jefferson is likely to be coming off the bench at the forward spot given that Michael Porter Jr. and Julius Randle will be in the starting lineup come opening night. However, if Jefferson's debut is any indication, he is looking to earn playing time from now through training camp, especially now that he is officially able to play during summer league as a member of the roster.

This article originally appeared on Nets Wire: Nets' Joshua Jefferson reacts to his NBA summer league debut