Warriors players Jackson-Davis, Spencer named to Rising Stars team
Steph Curry won’t be the only player representing the Warriors at All-Star weekend in a few weeks.
Trayce Jackson-Davis, the second-year center, was named to the Rising Stars team — a collection of rookies, sophomores and G League standouts. Two-way guard Pat Spencer is also on the roster as a G League representative.
Jackson-Davis has started 36 of 44 games this year, averaging 8.2 points and 6.4 rebounds per game. Although he has struggled with finishing in the paint — he’s shooting 57.1% from the field compared to 70.2% last season — the relatively shallow pool of talent among first- and second-year players opened up a path for him.
The 24-year-old found out the news when Warriors senior vice president of communications Raymond Ridder called him, interrupting his nap.
“It’s a blessing,” Jackson-Davis told this news organization. “Get to be here in front of the fans at Chase, I think that’s going to be really cool. Other than that, it’s basketball. It’s an award. But still got a lot of season left. Take a break after and then get right back to it.”
This is the first time Jackson-Davis will be involved in All-Star weekend. His favorite All-Star memory was the 2016 NBA Slam Dunk Contest between Aaron Gordon and Zach LaVine (Jackson-Davis said he has no interest in the Dunk Contest).
The 57th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, Jackson-Davis has been a steal for the Warriors. The only other players drafted 57th or later to be named a Rising Star, per the Warriors, are Manu Ginobili, Isaiah Thomas and Arvydas Sabonis.
Spencer, meanwhile, has played 18 games for the Warriors, occasionally giving them a lift as an emergency point guard. As one of the greatest college lacrosse players of all time, Spencer is among the best athletes on the team.
Some notable Rising Stars they’ll be teaming up with include Victor Wembanyama, Amen Thompson, Stephon Castle and first overall pick Zaccharie Risacher. Several players, like Dereck Lively II, Brandon Miller and Jared McCain, were selected to the team but won’t participate due to injuries. Here is the full roster.
The new All-Star tournament format applies to the Rising Stars and puts a greater emphasis on the game. The talent pool will be split into four teams and play a three-game tournament on Friday, Feb. 14, with the winner earning the right to play again on Sunday against one of the three All-Star teams.
Both the Rising Stars and the All-Star mini-tournaments are set to be held at Chase Center. For the first time since 2000, the Bay Area is hosting the festivities.
Warriors sign add wing depth with two-way signing
The Warriors announced on Tuesday that they filled their vacant two-way slot by signing Jackson-Rowe. A 3-and-D wing, Rowe is averaging 14.8 points, 2.8 assists and 1.1 steals per game.
Rowe, a 28-year-old Toronto native, played four seasons at Cal State Fullerton before spending three seasons overseas and eventually latching on with the Warriors organization.
Two Warriors games rescheduled
Due to the Los Angeles fires earlier this month, the NBA rescheduled two upcoming Warriors games, slightly rejiggering their schedule for one week in March.
Before the disruption, the Warriors’ week of March 16 included a Monday game against Denver and a back-to-back with Toronto and Milwaukee (March 19 and 20).
Instead, the Bucks game was moved from Thursday to Tuesday, making it the second leg of a back-to-back after the Nuggets game. The Raptors game was switched from Wednesday, March 19, to Thursday, March 20. All three games remain at Chase Center.