The Golden State Warriors are heading into the 2022-2023 season with high expectations and many uncertainties in their wing and front court positions.
In the 2023 NBA Draft, the Warriors acquired Tracye Jackson-Davis, an unsung hero from college basketball who played for the Indiana Hoosiers. Jackson-Davis is a versatile and stat sheet-stuffing forward with a smooth game.
Head Coach Steve Kerr recently discussed how Moses Moody, another promising young player, can earn more playing time in the upcoming season. Kerr also emphasized that this year’s Warriors team has a high basketball IQ, which bodes well for their quest to match the success of the championship teams of the past decade.
Among the Warriors’ players, Jackson-Davis stands out as a potential breakout star.
Jackson-Davis: Indiana University’s Towering Talent
Trayce Jackson-Davis may not appear large on the court, but he plays much bigger than his size. Standing at 6-foot-9, 245 pounds, Jackson-Davis boasts an impressive physique with minimal body fat and an unstoppable motor.
His constant movement, combined with his basketball IQ, allows him to rack up points, rebounds, and assists that other players often miss out on.
During the preseason, Jackson-Davis has averaged 2.0 steals for Kerr’s Warriors. In college, he averaged 20.8 points and 10.9 rebounds while competing in the highly competitive Big Ten conference.
Efficiency Unmatched in Kerr’s Offense
Last season, Jackson-Davis shot an impressive 58.1% from the field, making him a formidable player on a team with sharpshooters like Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry.
His basketball IQ, patience, and fluid movement allow him to set effective picks and perform elite-level rolls to the basket. Despite not making a single three-pointer in his college career, Jackson-Davis’s work ethic and skills make him capable of becoming a reliable three-point shooter if required by Kerr and his staff.
For now, Warriors fans can enjoy watching Jackson-Davis dismantle opposing defenses while contributing with steals and blocks on the other end of the court.
Jackson-Davis: Son of an NBA Star (and a Coach’s Dream)
Despite his incredible college career, many fans are unaware that Jackson-Davis is the son of former NBA All-Star Dale Davis, known for his toughness and enforcer role with the Indiana Pacers.
Selected as the 57th pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, Jackson-Davis now has the opportunity to learn from another high IQ and versatile forward, Draymond Green, who also played in the Big Ten during his time with the Michigan State Spartans.
Throughout his college career, Jackson-Davis achieved impressive milestones, finishing third in career points in Indiana history and averaging 2.1 blocks per game. His defensive prowess has already translated well in the preseason.
Lots of thoughts from LAL-GSW, but Trayce Jackson-Davis is one player that needs to be highlighted. Thought his motor, defensive presence and BBIQ looked excellent (1 REB, 1 AST, 2 BLK, 2 STL). Hoping to see him get involved often this season for GSW.
— Dizzle Dynasty Sports (@DizzleDynasty) October 8, 2023
Doubters may argue that Jackson-Davis’s lack of three-point shooting, his youth, and the abundance of wing talent on the team will limit his playing time this season.
However, for those who have witnessed Jackson-Davis’s skills at Indiana University, the idea of this talented, productive, and intelligent player warming the bench is simply unbelievable. Expect to see Jackson-Davis on the court and making significant contributions by the end of October, as he embarks on a breakout 2023-2024 season with Steve Kerr and the Warriors.
Laura Davis covers the world of basketball with precision. Her articles explore NBA and college basketball, offering game analysis, player profiles, and highlights. Laura’s passion for hoops is evident in her comprehensive basketball coverage.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72931262/usa_today_21973134.0.jpg "Stay Updated on Wisconsin Badgers Transfer Portal Movements for 2023-2024 Season")
