Trayce Jackson-Davis has been impressive throughout the Golden State Warriors‘ preseason schedule.
The rookie big man produced an impressive performance against the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday (Oct. 18), finishing with a double-double in points and rebounds. Jackson-Davis enters the NBA following a four-year collegiate career with the Indiana Hoosiers in the Big Ten.
Steve Kerr has been pleased with his rookie big man’s impact. Speaking to the media following Golden State’s 116-115 victory over the Kings, Kerr noted how Jackson-Davis’ college career allowed him to enter the NBA as a more complete player than most rookies.
“So fun to see Trayce out there as a rookie going against an All-Star center in Sabonis,” Kerr said. “What a great experience for him. He was terrific. Just the rebounding. Scoring. Rolling to the rim, giving us a lob threat. Defensively, he battled. They’re giving him the rookie treatment, the refs are. He’s picking up a lot of fouls that look a little questionable to me. But, he’s so coachable. He has a great foundation underneath him. Understands how to play basketball. He played 125 college games. He comes to us as a much more finished product than most rookies these days.”
Jackson-Davis could find himself earning regular-season minutes in Kerr’s rotation. The 23-year-old brings size, athleticism, and youth to Golden State’s rotation — all things that could help balance Kerr’s regular-season rotation.
However, Jackson-Davis will likely need to fight through an unfriendly whistle from the referees. Currently, the rookie big man is amassing quick fouls when on the court as he adjusts to the rules of the NBA.
Nevertheless, Jackson-Davis has impressed during preseason, which could lead to a role in the rotation — for a rookie on a competitive Warriors team, that’s a win.
