Hoosier State of Mind
Fansided

Indiana Basketball: Trayce Jackson-Davis’ path to the NBA

By Trevor Gersmehl

BLOOMINGTON, INDIANA - DECEMBER 29: Trayce Jackson-Davis #4 of the Indiana Hoosiers reacts after a play in the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the first half at Assembly Hall on December 29, 2019 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
BLOOMINGTON, INDIANA - DECEMBER 29: Trayce Jackson-Davis #4 of the Indiana Hoosiers reacts after a play in the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the first half at Assembly Hall on December 29, 2019 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 2
Next
Indiana Basketball, Trayce Jackson-Davis
Indiana Basketball, Trayce Jackson-Davis. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

Current Draft Stock: Second Round to Undrafted

Trayce Jackson-Davis is the first Indiana player we have looked at in this series who is actually on NBA draft boards. NBADraft.net ranked him all the way at 34th on their boards, but that is somewhat of an anomaly. Most people have him barely sneaking in the second round.

Likelihood of being drafted: High

Jackson-Davis is already on draft boards basically due to effort and athleticism. His game is not based on a lot of skill (more on that later), and he is already expected to be drafted. Adding more skill to that already existing draft stock could not only solidify him a spot in the draft, but could raise his stock considerably.

Needs Improvement

Rebounding and physicality is Jackson-Davis’s forte, and that travels wherever he goes. The NBA is so picky about big men, but those are two qualities that teams love in a center.

Jackson-Davis basically has one route to the NBA and it’s to become a true center. He played power forward last season for an abysmal Indiana offense, and it is my hope that Archie Miller ditches the old school 3-out 2-in lineup and plays Jackson-Davis at his natural position. It’s not doing his team or best player any favors.

One thing lacking from Jackson-Davis’s game is his size. He stands at 6’9”, and while there are centers in the NBA who are 6’9” (Bam Adebeyo, Al Horford), they are either much quicker or more skilled than the young Indiana star. At this moment, Jackson-Davis has no jump shot, no low post skills, and is pretty heavy on his feet.

He needs to either improve his skills or his agility. The second is more likely. If Jackson-Davis can show an ability to hold his own against quicker players, especially on switches and pick-and-rolls, then teams will feel much more confident in his defense.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 29: Taj Gibson #67 of the New York Knicks celebrates his shot in the first half against the Chicago Bulls at Madison Square Garden on February 29, 2020 in New York City.NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 29: Taj Gibson #67 of the New York Knicks celebrates his shot in the first half against the Chicago Bulls at Madison Square Garden on February 29, 2020 in New York City.NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

NBA Comparison: Taj Gibson

Another former 6’9” power forward, Taj Gibson transitioned to playing center after the NBA abandoned traditional power forwards. Gibson isn’t particularly light-footed, but he is ferocious around the rim and will dunk it with force. Additionally, Gibson has always been a phenomenal rebounder for his size.

Gibson has actually tried to adopt a three-point shot, but it hasn’t exactly been pretty. Still, he has managed to find a role in the modern NBA as a guy who gives consistent effort, sets hard picks, rolls to the rim with a vengeance, rebounds like a monster, and holds his own on defense.

Trayce Jackson-Davis must model his game after Gibson in order to thrive in the NBA. His goals should be to do what Gibson does but better. Gibson was in the middle of a successful NBA career when the three-point craze started and was forced to adapt. Jackson-Davis has the benefit of knowing the situation going into the league, and should capitalize on that.

Picture-Perfect Scenario

Jackson-Davis picks up right where he left off from his freshman season. He plays center and is surrounded by shooters, giving him more room to operate in the paint and giving him a better preparedness for the NBA game. He leads Indiana to the NCAA Tournament with his physical presence. He averages 14 points, 10 rebounds, and two blocks per game.

Next. Indiana Basketball: Best Hoosier defenders since 2000. dark

Having shown enough improvement to potentially go to the NBA, Jackson-Davis tests the NBA draft waters. He leaves the door open to return to school, but ultimately finds that he could make it in the NBA and decides to leave. He is drafted in the early second round and has a successful NBA career as a reliable rebounder, screen-setter, and rim-runner.

Home/Indiana Basketball