With plenty of hype surrounding the expected acquisition of Al Horford and optimism remaining in Quinten Post’s future, it’s easy to forget that Trayce Jackson-Davis ended the playoffs as the starting center for the Golden State Warriors.
Jackson-Davis has been cast aside by some when it comes to the Warrior rotation for next season, but he does provide a rare level of size and athleticism that the roster otherwise lacks. That could present an opportunity for the third-year big man to solidify a spot in the rotation, yet it’s a painful flaw Jackson-Davis will have to address if that’s to be the case.
Trayce Jackson-Davis must improve his finishing around the rim
With highlight blocks on Giannis Antetokounmpo and a stupendous dunk over Victor Wembanyama, Jackson-Davis excited many during an impressive rookie year where he just missed out on All-Rookie Team honors.
But beyond the tantalizing slices of athleticism, the 25-year-old’s second year was plagued by a complete inability to finish anything that wasn’t a dunk. Jackson-Davis shot just 40.9% on layups and 34.6% on shots in the paint (but outside the restricted circle), proving a big reason in his initial demotion from starting center to all the way outside of Steve Kerr’s rotation.
Veteran teammate Draymond Green isn’t known as a great finisher around the rim by any means, but to provide some context to these numbers, the 4x All-Star shot 53.3% on layups and 44.7% in the paint last season.
To finish around the rim at such a poor rate is almost inexcusable and is something that became extremely frustrating for fans as last season progressed. Sure Jackson-Davis provides a lob threat that can provide a point of difference to the Golden State offense, but that’s negated if he comes a liability below the rim.
Given there’s little sign that Jackson-Davis is ever going to develop a viable jump-shot to extend opposing defenses, improving his touch around the rim is an absolute must to become a consistent rotation player.
If that doesn’t take place, the former second-round pick may face the brutal shock of having his NBA career cut much shorter than what his rookie year would have suggested. With the Warriors holding a team option on the fourth and final year of his contract, this could prove a make-or-break season for Jackson-Davis and for his future at the franchise.
All is not lost given his athleticism and skillset as a shot-blocker and lob threat is unique on the Golden State roster, but Jackson-Davis requires a big training camp and preseason to ensure he’s part of Kerr’s plans going forward.
