Big(ger) man.
The Golden State Warriors are hoping for big things from center Trayce Jackson-Davis in his second NBA season. And what better way to accomplish big things than by getting, well … bigger?
In addition to putting in hard work in the gym and on the practice courts over the summer, Jackson-Davis apparently got to photosynthesizing, because he came to his second professional camp taller than when we last saw him. According to Jackson-Davis and GM Mike Dunleavy Jr., the big man added an inch to his height over the offseason.
Mike Dunleavy told me Trayce Jackson Davis grew an inch in the offseason, and TDJ said he was surprised grew. He knew something was up when his knees got achy. He said he’s fine, nothing a little Tylenol and ice packs can’t handle.
— Kerith Burke (@KerithBurke) October 1, 2024
You don’t really expect 24 year olds to still be growing, but then again, NBA players aren’t your traditional 20-somethings. And while the 6’9 Jackson-Davis didn’t exactly need any extra inches in the height department, it sure doesn’t hurt, either.
The Dubs expect big things out of Jackson-Davis, who went from a late second-round pick to a rookie sensation in the span of a few months. From the All-Star break on, the lefty averaged 22.0 minutes, 10.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.6 blocks per game, while shooting 71.6% from the field, and providing the team with a new look as a high-flying, rim-running, lob-catching center. A little extra height could help in that department!
It’s unclear whether or not Jackson-Davis will begin the 2024-25 season as the team’s starting center. He made a great case for the role last year, but with Kevon Looney back — and now shooting threes — the Warriors could return to the veteran in the starting lineup. Or they could go small with Jonathan Kuminga.