Watch: Warriors rookie has heartwarming reaction when asked about Steph Curry

Trayce Jackson-Davis looked visible happy to be sharing the court with Steph Curry for the Golden State Warriors.

Trayce Jackson-Davis is less than two weeks into his rookie season. The Golden State Warriors big man has already witnessed some amazing feats of skill from Steph Curry, including a 42-point explosion against the New Orleans Pelicans on Oct. 30. 

When speaking to the media after the Warriors blowout win against New Orleans, Jackson-Davis was asked about watching Curry’s performances up close. A smile quickly formed across his face, and it was clear he’d been starstruck by his former MVP teammate. Davis also mentioned how seeing it on the court is far more impressive than watching Curry’s antics on TV.

Jackson-Davis is in a fortunate position. Not only does he learn from Curry, but he will also be learning from Klay Thompson, Draymond Green and Chris Paul: four players who have had significant success throughout their careers.

Jackson-Davis has been impressive in his first few appearances for the Warriors. He’s providing a solid screening presence and some reliable secondary scoring. If he continues to play like he has in the opening few games, there will be a role for him throughout the season.

You can watch Jackson-Davis’ reaction by clicking on the embedded clip above.

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Steve Kerr on Warriors’ rookies: ‘It is exciting to see them play’

On a night in which Stephen Curry exploded for 42 points, the Warriors also received strong contributions from their rookies on Monday.

On a night Stephen Curry erupted for 42 points, the Golden State Warriors also received strong contributions from rookies Brandin Podziemski and Trayce Jackson-Davis to defeat the New Orleans Pelicans.

Down Klay Thompson (knee) and Jonathan Kuminga (knee), Curry registered his second 40-point game of the season to lead the Warriors to the 130-102 victory. Chris Paul scored 13 points, Jackson-Davis had 13 points and nine rebounds and Gary Payton II added 10 points.

Podziemski finished with five points, eight rebounds and two assists.

With three reserves scoring in double figures, the Warriors held a 52-35 advantage in bench scoring. The group pushed the lead to 29 points in the fourth quarter to improve to 3-1 on the season.

“The rookies were fantastic,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. “We’ve seen this throughout camp; both guys can really play. We’ve been itching to get Brandin out there. Trayce got in the other night in Sacramento and gave us a really good run. They got (17) rebounds between them. They’re constantly around the ball, anticipating plays, keeping the game simple and moving it on. It is really exciting to see those two young guys play.”

Podziemski and Jackson-Davis entered the season projected to be out of the rotation. Kerr previously said the two players could even spend time in the G League with Santa Cruz to get consistent playing time with so many players ahead of them on the depth chart.

They found out on Monday morning that they’d likely see extended minutes with two rotation players sidelined. It was something they were warned about when the season began.

“Moses (Moody) told me Coach is always kind of random when you can get called upon, so you just always have to stay ready,” Jackson-Davis said. “The biggest thing I took away from tonight is always being ready. … It is always the next man up. I think me and B did a great job of that.”

The Warriors are high on Podziemski and Jackson-Davis and believe they have a great feel for the game and are at an advanced level at this stage of their careers. They like the scoring and playmaking ability of Podziemski, and how Jackson-Davis can defend and rebound.

They will likely continue to be used in spot situations this season. While playing time could be limited, they are eager to step in and contribute whenever they are called upon.

“I’m just happy we won, honestly,” Podziemski said. “I’m glad I was able to get some minutes finally and contribute to winning — plus-15 on the box score. I was really just out there trying to help the team.”

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Rookie Report: Trayce Jackson-Davis records near double-double vs. Pelicans

In his second appearance in the NBA, Warriors rookie Trayce Jackson-Davis recorded a near double-double effort against the Pelicans.

After a dominant college career at the University of Indiana, 2023 first-team All-American Trayce Jackson-Davis landed with the Golden State Warriors in the second round of the 2023 NBA draft.

Through four games, the former Hoosier is quickly proving to be a steal in the second round of the draft. In his second appearance with the Warriors, Jackson-Davis recorded a near double-double effort against the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday evening. 

In his first appearance in the NBA, Jackson-Davis went scoreless in five minutes off the bench against the Sacramento Kings. Monday marked his first points scored of his young career.

On the second leg of a road back-to-back, the Warriors’r rookie played 20 minutes off the bench, scoring 13 points on 5-of-9 shooting from the field. Jackson-Davis added nine boards and four blocks in Golden State’s blowout road win over New Orleans. 

Via @NBCSWarriors on Twitter:

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Jackson-Davis will have the chance to continue his solid start to his rookie campaign on Wednesday against the Sacramento Kings at San Francisco’s Chase Center.

This post originally appeared on Warriors Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter

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Warriors’ Steve Kerr outlines season plan for Podziemski, Jackson-Davis

Steve Kerr praised rookies Brandin Podziemski and Trayce Jackson-Davis and believes they could eventually be in the rotation.

Steve Kerr this week praised rookies Brandin Podziemski and Trayce Jackson-Davis and believes the two could eventually be in the rotation for the Golden State Warriors.

He could also see them log some time in the G League, too.

Podziemski, the 19th pick, averaged 6.3 points, 5.8 rebounds and 5.5 assists in four games this preseason. He averaged 24 minutes per game. Jackson-Davis, the 57th pick, posted averages of 6.2 points and 4.4 rebounds in 16 minutes per game.

With so many established players ahead of them, Podziemski and Jackson-Davis could see sporadic minutes this season. However, they have shown that they can contribute in the preseason and practice, and could be called upon, Kerr said on Monday.

I think (the G League) is absolutely an option. Santa Cruz is such a part of our organization. I think we’ve learned a lot over the years that if a player isn’t in the rotation here, playing there for an extended period is really valuable. That is where you truly see the improvement. I think that is always going to be a viable option.

I could see both guys also being in the rotation at some point because they’re that good. It is a great problem to have, but for those guys, part of being a rookie is understanding this is a weird league. You can go from playing in the G League and being away from the team to being in the starting lineup. … Both guys have to be ready for anything.

The Warriors have utilized their G League affiliate often in the past for draft picks, including current players Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody. Those players both found some success and benefited from their time in Santa Cruz.

Kerr believes Podziemski and Jackson-Davis both have a great feel for the game and are at an advanced level at this stage of their careers. The team likes the scoring and playmaking ability of Podziemski, and how Jackson-Davis can defend and rebound, among other traits.

The two may not see the court much when the Warriors tip off the regular season on Tuesday versus Phoenix, but it shouldn’t be surprising to see them eventually on the court contributing this season.

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Steve Kerr praises advanced Warriors rookies ahead of new season

Steve Kerr has been impressed with the Golden State Warriors latest rookie class.

The Golden State Warriors added Brandin Podziemski and Trayce Jackson-Davis this summer via the draft. Both rookies have been impressive throughout the Warriors’ preseason schedule and could earn regular-season rotation minutes based on their current level of play.

When speaking to the media following the Warriors’ Oct. 20 loss to the San Antonio Spurs, Steve Kerr praised how advanced both rookies are despite their young age. Jackson-Davis has proven valuable when defending the paint, while Podziemski has flashed three-level scoring, rebounding and playmaking during his outings. Neither player would look out of place in the rotation on opening night.

“Both Brandin and Trayce have a good feel for the game,” Kerr said. “They both understand the patterns. They understand defensive decisions, and timing, positioning. Brandin is a great rebounder. Trayce is a guy who can finish at the rim and does a good job of protecting the paint. Both very impressive players. It’s just fun to see how advanced they are already at such a young age.”

The Warriors have consistently taken a slow approach to developing young talent. With such a competitive roster, Golden State has struggled to get the best from some of their recent picks. However, Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody have thrived in their slowly increasing roles in recent seasons. Podziemski and Jackson-Davis could be in for a similar developmental process.

However, given the Warriors’ current roster construction, Kerr could look to throw his new rookies into the mix from the jump. Golden State has a good balance between veteran talent and youthful energy, and that could bode well for the upcoming season. Especially if it means Podziemski and Jackson-Davis are seeing consistent floor time.

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Warriors rookie receives high praise from Steve Kerr

Trayce Jackson-Davis has been impressing throughout the Golden State Warriors preseason schedule.

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.

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Warriors rookie opens up on his four quick fouls against the Lakers

Trayce Jackson-Davis had a difficult night when the Golden State Warriors overcame the Los Angeles Lakers on October 13.

Trayce Jackson-Davis could be thrust into the Golden State Warriors rotation this season despite being a rookie. The 23-year-old enters the NBA after four years with the Indiana Hoosiers. The rookie big man is expected to be one of the more polished rookies entering the NBA this season.

On Oct. 13, Jackson-Davis gained his first taste of elite-level basketball when he faced Anthony Davis in his team’s preseason contest against the Los Angeles Lakers. Jackson-Davis quickly found himself in foul trouble, giving up four fouls in rapid succession. When speaking to Anthony Slater of The Athletic, Jackson-Davis discussed the foul calls against him.

“I probably got him twice,” Jackson-Davis said. “I know I didn’t get LeBron (James). He just kind’ve threw it up there. But it is what it is. The last one (on Davis) was kinda questionable, too. He kinda went into me. I was straight up. But you’re a rookie. Calls don’t go your way.”

Playing against Davis and the Lakers is a tough test for a player taking his first steps into the pro leagues. Davis is an All-NBA talent and one of the most dominant big men on the planet. Regardless of the foul trouble, Jackson-Davis found himself in, he will be an improved player because of the experience.

The Warriors are short of big-man options heading into the 2023-24 season. As such, Jackson-Davis could have plenty more opportunities to learn from playing against the best players in the world, even if that does mean there will likely be a learning curve ahead.

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Steve Kerr explains how Trayce Jackson-Davis will fit in with Warriors

Jackson-Davis entered the NBA draft after four years at Indiana, and it is that experience that the Warriors value.

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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Rookie Trayce Jackson-Davis out for California Classic opener vs. Kings

The second round pick out of Indiana is set to miss the Warriors’ California Classic opener against the Kings on Monday.

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Basketball is back.

Monday marks the start of the annual stint of Summer League games in Sacramento for the California Classic. The Golden State Warriors are set to start their Summer League campaign on Monday in the nightcap of the California Classic against the Sacramento Kings.

While first-round pick Brandin Podziemski is set to make his Summer League debut in a duel against Keegan Murray, Golden State’s second-round pick from the 2023 draft will have to wait until before he suits up in blue and gold for the first time.

According to Anthony Slater of The Athletic, rookie Trayce Jackson-Davis won’t play in the Warriors’ California Classic opener against the Kings. The power forward out of Indiana is being ruled out due to a right hamstring injury.

Via @anthonyVslater on Twitter:

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Jackson-Davis was the No. 57 overall pick in the 2023 NBA draft in Brooklyn just under two weeks ago. Jackson-Davis played four seasons in Bloomington, earning All-Big Ten honors in three years. In his final season, Jackson-Davis was named a first-time All-American.

The Warriors will tip off against the Kings in the California Classic at 7 p.m. PT on Monday night at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento.

This post originally appeared on Warriors Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter

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Warriors pick Trayce Jackson-Davis No. 57, move Patrick Baldwin Jr.

The Golden State Warriors will select Trayce Jackson-Davis at No. 57 and send Patrick Baldwin Jr. to the Washington Wizards.

The Golden State Warriors continue to be a busy team as they continue to remain in contention in the 2023-24 season.

After pulling off a surprising huge move with the Washington Wizards by bringing in Chris Paul for Jordan Poole, another aspect of that deal came to light during Thursday’s draft.

The Warriors will send Patrick Baldwin Jr. to the Wizards as part of the Paul-Poole deal and they also acquired the No. 57 pick from Washington. With that selection, Golden State will take Indiana forward Trayce Jackson-Davis.

Jackson-Davis had an impressive season with the Hoosiers averaging 20.9 points and 10.8 rebounds to go along with 4 assists. He also shot 58.1% from the floor.

As for Baldwin Jr., he gets a fresh start in Washington. He was the 28th pick in the 2022 NBA draft and averaged 3.9 points and 1.3 rebounds for Golden State. He will look to get more playing time with the Wizards.

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