The Golden State Warriors’ preseason opener against the Los Angeles Lakers delivered a brutal wake-up call for Trayce Jackson-Davis, the promising young center who once seemed destined for a bright future with the team. The harsh reality is now undeniable: Jackson-Davis, or “TJD” as he’s known, is not in the Warriors’ rotation, and the path to earning meaningful minutes looks increasingly bleak.Selected as the No. 57 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, TJD was a late-round gem for the Warriors. A standout at Indiana, he brought energy, efficiency, and a knack for finishing at the rim to a Warriors squad brimming with talent. As a rookie, he appeared in 68 games, starting 16, and showcased his potential as a rebounder and defensive anchor. His hyper-efficient scoring and smart positioning had fans and analysts alike believing the Warriors had found a long-term solution at center.
But last season, the road got bumpier. As the Warriors experimented with various lineups to ignite an inconsistent roster, Jackson-Davis saw his scoring dip and his shot-blocking numbers plummet. Still, he played in 62 games, starting 37, and there was optimism that he could solidify his role as the backup center heading into the new season.
That hope was shattered in the Warriors’ preseason opener against the Lakers. Facing a formidable seven-footer in Deandre Ayton, head coach Steve Kerr made a clear statement with his lineup choices. Rather than starting Jackson-Davis or even using him as a key reserve, Kerr opted for a smallball approach, with Draymond Green thriving at the 5 — a role where the veteran has long excelled with his intensity and physicality. Given the wear and tear of playing center, many expected Kerr to preserve Green at the 4 for most situations, opening the door for a traditional big like TJD. That door, however, slammed shut.
Enter Al Horford, the Warriors’ new addition and a 39-year-old veteran who looked ageless in his debut. Horford subbed in early at center, displaying the kind of high-impact play that suggests he’ll be a cornerstone of the rotation, whether as a starter or a key bench piece. His performance left no doubt: Horford is here to make a difference.
With Horford commanding minutes, there’s still theoretical space for another center in the rotation. Jackson-Davis, with his traditional big-man style, could offer a contrast to Horford’s versatility. Yet, when Horford took a breather, it wasn’t TJD who got the nod. Instead, second-year stretch-5 Quenten Post stepped onto the court, signaling Kerr’s preference for bigs who can shoot and space the floor.
The Warriors’ need for floor spacing was evident last season, and it’s clear Kerr is doubling down on that strategy. With Horford and Post providing shooting, the team is prioritizing lineups that open driving lanes for stars like Jimmy Butler, Jonathan Kuminga, and Stephen Curry. Unfortunately for Jackson-Davis, his lack of shooting makes him a tough fit in this vision. The forward rotation, featuring Green, Butler, and Kuminga — all shaky shooters — further complicates matters, as the Warriors seem intent on surrounding them with as much shooting as possible.
Jackson-Davis didn’t see the floor until the second half, subbing in for Post midway through the third quarter after the veterans had already clocked out. His 13 minutes of action were underwhelming: four points, four rebounds, two assists, and a team-worst -12 plus-minus. It was a decent, if uninspiring, performance that did little to sway the coaching staff’s apparent stance.
Could Jackson-Davis carve out a role later in the season? It’s possible, but the outlook is grim. Lineups featuring Curry, Buddy Hield, Moses Moody, and Butler could theoretically work with a traditional center like TJD, but Kerr’s preference for shooting bigs suggests otherwise. Jackson-Davis finds himself buried on the depth chart, behind Horford and Post, with no clear pathway to relevance.
For TJD and his fans, this is a gut punch — a cold, hard slap from reality. The Warriors’ shift in strategy has left the once-promising center on the outside looking in, facing a season where minutes will be hard to come by. For a player who seemed poised to be a fixture in Golden State’s future, the present feels like a disaster.