The Golden State Warriors, one of the NBA’s most popular franchises, often have players who capture the attention of fans and media alike. However, not every player enjoys the spotlight, and some talents can fly under the radar. As the Warriors look to bounce back after missing the playoffs in 2024, they’ll rely on emerging players to make a significant impact.
Among these players, Trayce Jackson-Davis, a second-year player, stands out as the Warriors’ best-kept secret. Although fourth-year wing Moses Moody was previously highlighted by Bleacher Report as the Warriors’ under-the-radar talent, the spotlight on Jackson-Davis is growing. Unlike his peers Jonathan Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski, and Moody, Jackson-Davis hasn’t garnered as much attention, despite being a promising player after being selected 57th overall in last year’s draft.
Jackson-Davis made a noticeable impact late last season, especially when given a more prominent role. His per-36-minute stats of 17.2 points, 10.9 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 2.4 blocks surpass those of Moody. Additionally, the Warriors finished strong with a 9-2 record in the last 11 games when Jackson-Davis was in the starting lineup, highlighting his significant contribution.
As the Warriors enter the 2024-25 season, it remains uncertain whether the 6’9” forward will secure a starting role. However, he is expected to play 20-25 minutes per game as the team’s primary center, likely surpassing Kevon Looney in the rotation. While Jackson-Davis may not have the same upside as other young Warriors players, his potential makes him a more compelling “best-kept secret” than Moody.
The Warriors’ financial strategy has also undergone a shift. After years of being among the top spenders in the league, the team is now prioritizing flexibility. This offseason, they hard-capped themselves at the first tax apron, a significant change after finishing 10th in the Western Conference despite having the league’s highest payroll. This financial shift has been largely driven by the departure of veterans Klay Thompson and Chris Paul, whose combined salaries of nearly $75 million last season were considered overpays given their declining performance.
With Thompson and Paul now playing for the Dallas Mavericks and San Antonio Spurs, respectively, the Warriors have more financial flexibility. This new approach has allowed the team to avoid overpaying aging stars and instead focus on more team-friendly deals. However, the lack of another genuine star besides Stephen Curry is a concern, even though the team is in a better position than last year.
Several Warriors players are considered underpaid heading into the new season, including recent signings like De’Anthony Melton, Kyle Anderson, and Buddy Hield. Trayce Jackson-Davis, who will earn just $1.9 million in 2024-25 despite finishing last season as the starting center, is also in this category. However, three players are arguably more underpaid than Jackson-Davis, with the franchise superstar Stephen Curry leading the list.
As the Warriors look ahead, their focus will be on maximizing the potential of their roster while maintaining financial flexibility. The emergence of under-the-radar players like Trayce Jackson-Davis could be key to their success in the 2024-25 season, as they aim to return to playoff contention.
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