Jackson-Davis delivered an instant impact in his first game with the Raptors.
The Toronto Raptors picked up Trayce Jackson-Davis from the Golden State Warriors just days before his debut, and it already looks like the move could pay off.
Jackson-Davis was traded on February 5 in exchange for a 2026 second-round pick, and the 25-year-old wasted no time making an impact in Sunday's 122-104 win over the Indiana Pacers.
A Double-Double Right Out of the Gate
In just 16 minutes off the bench, Jackson-Davis put up 10 points and 10 rebounds to go along with one assist, one block, and one steal.
Eight of those rebounds came on the offensive glass, showing why Toronto wanted him on the roster.
It was his first double-double since January of last year, and he became just the fifth player in franchise history to record a double-double in his Raptors debut.
The last player to do it was Kawhi Leonard back in 2018.
After the game, Jackson-Davis had nothing but good things to say about his new teammates and the energy they brought.
"That's a really good crew in there," Jackson-Davis said. "You could see during the game they're hyping me up. Every time I made a play, giving me a lot of confidence. I'm happy to be here. I'm happy to be a part of the team."
The timing of his debut could not have been better.
Rookie forward Collin Murray-Boyles hurt his thumb early in the game and left after just eight minutes, opening the door for Jackson-Davis to step in.
The Raptors needed the help up front, especially with starting center Jakob Poeltl still sidelined with a back injury that has kept him out since December 21.
Poeltl has appeared in just 21 games this season, averaging 9.7 points and 7.7 rebounds.
What Jackson-Davis Brings to Toronto
Jackson-Davis spent nearly three seasons with the Warriors after being selected 57th overall in the 2023 NBA Draft.
He showed promise as a rookie, averaging 7.9 points on 70.2 percent shooting over 68 games, but his role shrank and he averaged just 4.5 points in 29 games this season.
The addition of Kristaps Porzingis in Golden State's deadline deal sealed his fate with the Warriors.
Toronto is a different story.
The Raptors sit at 32-22 and hold down the fifth spot in the Eastern Conference, but their lack of size up front has been a real problem.
Jackson-Davis gives them a physical, athletic big man who can crash the boards and finish at the rim, which is exactly what they need while Poeltl works his way back.
Even when Poeltl does return, he is expected to be on a minutes restriction, so Jackson-Davis should still have a chance to earn consistent playing time.
Looking Ahead
The Raptors have not made the playoffs since 2022, and with Scottie Barnes earning All-Star honors and Brandon Ingram leading the scoring attack, the pieces are coming together for a postseason push.
Jackson-Davis may not be a headline-grabbing addition, but his debut showed he can bring energy, hustle, and toughness on the glass off the bench.
If Sunday was any sign of what is to come, the Raptors got themselves a solid contributor for the stretch run.
Toronto's next game is Wednesday against the Detroit Pistons at home.