TJD became the first Warriors rookie in the shot clock era (1954-55) to go 9-of-9 or-better from the field in a game.
Today I’ll be chronicling the best performances of the 2024 calendar year from our Golden State Warriors. Although the Dubs didn’t make the playoffs during the 2023-2024 season and have been pretty mid to finish the year, there have been plenty of fantastic individual performances to enjoy and give Dub Nation hope for the future.
I’m picking guys who don’t always get the spotlight for their efforts, but the fanbase has high hopes for them. As we turn the page into the new year, it’s a time for optimism and renewed belief. That’s why I want to give you a look at Trayce Jackson-Davis’ best game of the year and a rose colored synopsis of what I believe the best of his game can be:
Trayce Jackson-Davis is the kind of player that oozes Warriors potential. A do-it-all big man with a mix of old-school physicality and modern versatility, his game fits perfectly with Golden State’s ethos of high IQ, unselfish basketball. He’s not just a rookie looking for his role; he’s a player with a polished skill set that seems custom-built for Steve Kerr’s system. The Warriors didn’t just draft Jackson-Davis to fill out the roster folks, they drafted him because they know exactly how to unleash his unique talents.
On offense, Jackson-Davis is the archetype of a big who thrives in the Warriors’ read-and-react motion system. His post game is polished—he’s got a soft touch around the rim and the ability to finish through contact. But it’s his passing that makes him stand out. At Indiana, he showed an innate ability to read double-teams and find open teammates, racking up assists at a rate rarely seen for a college big.
That skill is a perfect match for the Warriors’ love of split cuts and backdoor action. Whether it’s operating out of the post, setting up handoffs, or making quick decisions as a roll man, Jackson-Davis can be a hub in Golden State’s offense. Add in his sneaky athleticism for lobs and putbacks, and you’ve got a player who can create offense without needing plays run for him.
Defensively, Jackson-Davis is all about versatility and hustle. While he’s a bit undersized for a traditional center, his wingspan and timing make him a capable shot-blocker. He’s also mobile enough to switch onto wings and guards in pick-and-roll situations, a skill Golden State values highly in its defensive schemes. What really sets him apart, though, is his rebounding. The Warriors have struggled on the boards in recent years, and Jackson-Davis has the motor and instincts to make a real impact in this area, particularly on the offensive glass.
The Warriors envision Jackson-Davis as a high-energy, high-IQ rotation big who can thrive in small-ball lineups and complement their stars. Think of him as a cross between a young Kevon Looney and David West: a glue guy who does the dirty work, keeps the ball moving, and makes winning plays. For Golden State, the goal is simple—develop his skills within their system and let his natural instincts shine. In Jackson-Davis, they see a player who can contribute immediately while growing into a key piece of their championship puzzle.
