4 takeaways from the Golden State Warriors’ Summer League campaign

4. Trayce Jackson-Davis could have an immediate impact

It took a while but patient Warrior fans finally got their first-look at Jackson-Davis across the final two Summer League games. The wait was certainly worth it, with the 57th overall pick hardly missing a stride having previously been dealing with a hamstring injury.

Jackson-Davis began with a 14-point, seven-rebound performance in 20 minutes against the Houston Rockets on Thursday, and was even more impressive with an 18-point, 10-rebound double-double against the Raptors on Saturday.

It’s not necessarily Jackson-Davis’ individual skillset that’s stood out, it’s more so the ease in which you can see him fitting the Golden State system. Seeing a young big man showcase his aggression and using his size effectively has to be a nice change for Warrior fans, while he also displays a nice feel for the game that’s imperative for a Steve-Kerr led team.

Although the two-hand slams from the pick-and-roll or the dunkers spot may be the major highlight, it’s his passing that may be the difference-maker in his career at the NBA level. The capacity to read plays quickly and find teammates has been impressive, and will ultimately be what separates him from former athletic Warrior big men like Marquese Chriss or Jordan Bell.

At 6’9” and without any sort of jumpshot at this stage, you have to question how much of a ceiling Jackson-Davis has at the NBA level. There’s no doubt that, combined with his age, contributed heavily in him being taken so late in the draft.

However, he certainly plays above his size with the presence he provides in the paint, and his finishing ability around the rim makes him a scoring threat without the need for a jump shot. Could last season’s version of the Warriors have utilized Jackson-Davis? Maybe not. But with Chris Paul now in the mix, there may be a world in which the 23-year-old is an impactful piece in a limited role at times next season.