Brooklyn Nets coach Jordi Fernández said Friday that rookie forward Joshua Jefferson is still recovering from a back injury and isn't yet ready to debut with the team.
Jefferson has been limited throughout training camp by lower back stiffness and missed all four of the Nets' preseason games. He has been seen doing various on-court drills with the team, but he hasn't been cleared for full practice.
Based on the latest update from Fernández, it appears as though the 28th overall pick won't be ready for the Nets' season opener on Wednesday. Fernández couldn't provide additional information about the injury, according to Sharif Phillips-Keaton of Nets Wire.
Nets HC Jordi Fernandez on rookie Joshua Jefferson's back stiffness:
— Sharif Phillips-Keaton (@SharifKeaton) October 16, 2026
"He's not joined the group fully yet. He's been part of the group but, he's not ready to come back yet."
Fernandez said that he couldn't answer whether Jefferson has had imaging on his back yet.
Jefferson was a consensus second-team All-American last season at Iowa State, averaging 16.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.6 steals while shooting 34.5% from 3-point range. He ranked sixth in the country in box plus-minus (plus-13.0) and 19th in win shares (6.1).
The 22-year-old logged three summer league appearances with the Nets, averaging 7.3 points, two steals, 1.7 rebounds, and 1.3 assists while shooting 33.3% from the field. He debuted on July 11, recording nine points and two steals.
Jefferson was highly touted out of college because of his scoring, rebounding and overall versatility. He and the team remain hopeful he can return to the court sooner rather than later.
This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Nets coach Jordi Fernández provides injury update on Joshua Jefferson