Trayce Jackson-Davis entered the NBA draft after playing four years at Indiana, and it is that experience the Golden State Warriors value entering the season.
Jackson-Davis finished as the all-time leader in career rebounds (1,143) and blocks (270) and was third in points (2,258) at Indiana. He is one of five players in the history of the Big Ten to record at least 2,000 points and 1,000 rebounds.
The Warriors drafted him with the 57th pick after he averaged 20.8 points, 10.8 rebounds, four assists and 2.9 blocks as a senior. He was a consensus All-American and ranked 19th nationally in scoring, 11th in rebounding and fifth in blocks (92).
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr believes Jackson-Davis can do quite a bit on the court and will be a good addition to the roster this season. He explained on Monday how the 23-year-old can fit into their system.
You don’t see that kind of college experience very often anymore but you immediately recognize the experience level and the advantage that gives him. What I like about Trayce: He plays how we like to play. He’s a good passer; a dribble hand-off guy at the top of the key, a good screener.
(He) gives us a lob threat that we don’t otherwise have, which is a really nice addition. I think he’s the kind of guy who feels the game well. He’s got a good feel for passing, cutting movement, and a lot of the stuff that we already run, he runs really well.
Jackson-Davis projects to give the Warriors greater depth in the frontcourt. However, general manager Mike Dunleavy said after the draft that there is no expectation for Jackson-Davis to play immediately, so he’ll have to prove himself during training camp to earn minutes.
The Warriors will open training camp on Oct. 3 so it will not be too much longer until Jackson-Davis and first-round pick Brandin Podziemski hit the court for the first time. Their roles are still up in the air but it is clear the team is excited about their futures in the league.
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