The Golden State Warriors finally got to Trayce Jackson-Davis on July 13. Mike Dunleavy selected Jackson-Davis 57th pick in the 2023 NBA draft, however, the rookie has missed most of summer league due to a hamstring injury. Fortunately, Golden State’s rookie finally made his debut in the 118-101 loss to the Houston Rockets.
Despite missing the majority of summer league, Jackson-Davis still managed to make a good impression against Houston. Playing at the center position, Jackson-Davis logged 20 minutes of playing time, scoring 14 points, and securing 7 rebounds, on 66.7% shooting from the field.
Following the game, Jackson-Davis’ collegiate coach from Indiana University, Mike Woodson, discussed how he expects his former player to adjust to the NBA game and grow into a role with Golden State.
“He has the size, the body, the smartness — there isn’t anything he can’t do on the basketball court,” Woodson told C.J. Holmes of the San Francisco Chronicle in an exclusive interview. “These scouts, these coaches in the NBA, they ask me what’s the best part about him. The best part is that he can do a little bit of everything…Right now he will finish at the rim with both hands. He can handle the ball. He sees people when they’re open. He rebounds. He blocks shots. What more can you want?”
Trayce Jackson-Davis was impressive and efficient in his summer league debut.
I also talked with Indiana head coach Mike Woodson about TJD’s fit with the Warriors and what made him so special during his four years with the Hoosiers.https://t.co/zFiDfTuVpH pic.twitter.com/CzCaFbhXkT
— C.J. Holmes 🚀 (@CjHolmes22) July 14, 2023
Despite acquiring Dario Saric over the past week, the Warriors are still short on size. As such, Jackson-Davis has a realistic path to legitimate playing time in the upcoming season if he can move past his current hamstring injury. Since becoming one of the most dominant dynasties the NBA has ever seen, the Warriors’ track record for developing young talent has left much to be desired.
Things could be different with Jackson-Davis, though. The rookie forward/center has an opportunity to play right away and will have some of the game’s greatest players around him to help guide and nurture his talent and approach to the game at the professional level. Of course, Dunleavy could acquire another big man via free agency before the start of the season.
As such, Jackson-Davis has between now and the end of training camp to prove he’s deserving of a role within the rotation.
