LAS VEGAS – The Warriors announced Thursday that they have signed rookie forward Trayce Jackson-Davis, the team’s second-round pick acquired from the Washington Wizards during the 2023 NBA Draft in exchange for cash considerations, to a four-year contract. Now, they continue to wait for Jackson Davis to be able to play in a Summer League game.
After not being able to play in either of the Warriors’ two California Classic games in Sacramento, Jackson Davis will watch Golden State’s opener in Las Vegas Friday night against the Los Angeles Lakers from the sidelines, too. Jackson-Davis suffered a right hamstring injury during one of the first two days of summer league practice, and the Warriors will be wary of the Indiana product.
“He’s getting some work done with Seth Cooper,” Warriors summer coach Jacob Rubin said Friday following a shootout at the Basketball Center in Las Vegas. “I think he’s getting better, it’s just a daily thing. He’s got a sore hamstring, so we’re going to bring him in.”
As the Warriors wrapped up their morning session at the multi-court facility, Jackson-Davis was seen finally following Cooper, the former G-League coach who will lead the next phase of the Warriors’ player development system, through the handful of drills. Jackson-Davis worked around the rim, pulling back 3-pointers and playing some 3-on-3, thanks to the coaches’ help.
In one instance, the 6-foot-9 big guy put up a screen, immediately rolled over and delivered a noisy dunk—jumping off his injured right leg.
Golden State guarantees four games in Las Vegas, on Friday, Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday. There’s no telling at this point when or if Jackson-Davis will play this summer. The Warriors were happy to add him to his 57th overall and wouldn’t push him into action.
“If he’s playing in the summer league, great,” said Rubin. “We definitely miss him there. If he isn’t, he’ll be ready for us for the regular season. So, just a day-to-day thing. He’s definitely looking better.”
Familiar faces
One of the fan-favorite pieces and a key mission to the Warriors’ success has been to act as Robin speaks while he’s available to the media. Gary Payton II had a drill, then proceeded to make a three-point shot as Warriors assistant coach Kenny Atkinson watched and talked to the defensive hazard.
Later, Musa Modi came after the Warriors session as well. Robin knows there’s nothing better for his players than seeing two champions take advantage of their off-season to get better in the gym.
“It’s the best,” Robin said. “That’s what this is about, that’s who we are. Our vibe is who we are. Our joy, our vibe is contagious. I think we’re trying to find it again and start over.”
“Obviously we came out a little bit early in the playoffs this year, and I said to the guys we have the opportunity to lay the groundwork now. It starts with the way we play, it starts with the way our seat is and it definitely starts with having our vets. It’s always more special whenever you meet the vets You can talk to the team about what they’ve been through.
“Everyone’s concentration goes up a little bit, everyone’s energy goes up a little bit. You just get more out of everything you do. Anytime our guys are around, it’s huge for us.”
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