Trayce Jackson-Davis Bio
Trayce Jackson-Davis, more commonly referred to by his initials “TJD”, is an American professional basketball player for the Toronto Raptors of the National Basketball Association. Born on February 22, 2000, in Greenwood, Indiana, he played college basketball for the Indiana Hoosiers before being selected 57th overall in the 2023 NBA Draft. Jackson-Davis has established himself as a versatile power forward known for his defensive prowess and rebounding ability throughout his collegiate and professional career.
Early Life and Background
Trayce Jackson-Davis grew up in Greenwood, Indiana, where he faced significant challenges at a young age. When he was four years old, he fractured his skull in a home accident involving a resistance band, requiring surgery that left him with scars above both ears. At age six, another accident with a golf club fractured his cheekbone and eye socket, necessitating the placement of a titanium screw in his face.
Despite these early obstacles, Jackson-Davis showed promise in basketball during middle school, though he initially played on the B team. His game improved dramatically after a significant growth spurt during the summer before ninth grade, setting the stage for his future success on the court.
High School Career
Jackson-Davis attended Center Grove High School in Greenwood, Indiana, where he developed into one of the top prospects in the country. During his junior season in 2017–18, he averaged 21.9 points, 9.4 rebounds, 4.1 blocks, and 2.6 assists per game while shooting 67.0 percent from the field. He helped lead his team to a 20-win season along with county and sectional titles, advancing to the 4A regional final.
In AAU competition with Spiece Indy Heat, Jackson-Davis posted impressive numbers of 19.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game while shooting 59.1 percent from the field. During his senior season, he guided the Trojans to a 21–8 record and a berth in the Class 4A state tournament semifinals, averaging 21.6 points, 9.3 rebounds, 2.9 blocks, 1.7 assists, and one steal per game through 29 games.
On January 24, 2019, Jackson-Davis was announced as a McDonald’s All-American to participate in the 2019 game, where he finished with 7 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 block in 14 minutes of action. He was also named Indiana Mr. Basketball in 2019, recognizing him as the state’s top high school player.
Path to Professional Basketball
Jackson-Davis was a highly touted recruiting prospect, earning four-star rankings from major media outlets including Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN. During his recruitment, he received offers from numerous high-profile programs such as Indiana, Michigan State, UCLA, Ohio State, Purdue, and Xavier. After narrowing his choices to Indiana, Michigan State, and UCLA, he committed to playing college basketball for Indiana on November 30, 2018.
He also represented the United States on the under-18 national team at the 2018 FIBA Under-18 Americas Championship in St. Catharines, helping his team capture the gold medal. This international experience provided valuable exposure and development opportunities before his collegiate career began.
Trayce Jackson-Davis Career
College Career (2019–2023)
Jackson-Davis made his college debut for Indiana during the 2019–20 season, recording eight points and six rebounds in a 98–65 victory over Western Illinois. He earned Big Ten co-freshman of the week honors on November 18 after contributing 20 points, eight rebounds, and three blocked shots against North Alabama. He was again named conference freshman of the week on December 2 following a 21-point, 11-rebound performance against Louisiana Tech.
On February 19, 2020, Jackson-Davis set career highs with 27 points and 16 rebounds in a 68–56 win over Minnesota. At season’s end, he was named to the third-team All-Big Ten by both coaches and media while earning a spot on the All-Freshman Team. He averaged 13.5 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game as a freshman, finishing second in the conference in field goal percentage and seventh in both blocked shots and rebounds.
As a sophomore during the 2020–21 season, Jackson-Davis elevated his production to 19.1 points and 9.0 rebounds per game. He garnered third-team All-American honors from the Sporting News, NABC, and USBWA while earning an honorable mention All-American selection from the Associated Press. He was also named to the All-Big Ten first team by media and AP while receiving second-team recognition from coaches.
Junior and Senior Seasons
During his junior year, the 2021–22 season, new head coach Mike Woodson took over the Hoosiers program and Jackson-Davis announced his return for another season. On November 27, 2021, he scored a career-high 43 points in a 90–79 victory over Marshall, becoming the first Indiana player to score at least 40 points in 27 years. He was named to the second-team All-Big Ten and Big Ten All-Defensive Team while averaging 18.3 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game.
Jackson-Davis initially declared for the 2022 NBA Draft while maintaining college eligibility before withdrawing and returning to Indiana for his senior season. Heading into the 2022–23 campaign, he received extensive national recognition, including Blue Ribbon Preseason First Team All-American honors and Big Ten Preseason Player of the Year accolades.
His senior season proved historic, as he averaged career highs of 20.9 points, 10.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 2.9 blocks per game. His scoring average marked the highest for a Hoosier since Eric Gordon in 2007–08, his rebounding figure was the highest since Steve Downing in 1972–73, and his block number was the most since Dean Garrett in 1987–88. He became the first person to win four consecutive Big Ten Player of the Week awards since the award’s inception in 1981–82.
Jackson-Davis was awarded the Karl Malone Award as the nation’s top power forward and was named a unanimous first-team All-Big Ten selection. He finished his Indiana career as the program’s all-time leader in rebounds with 1,143 and blocked shots with 270 while ranking third on the all-time scoring list with 2,258 points and third in double-doubles with 50.
Golden State Warriors (2023–2026)
Jackson-Davis was drafted 57th overall by the Golden State Warriors in the second round of the 2023 NBA Draft. The draft rights were acquired from the Washington Wizards in exchange for cash considerations on draft night. He made his regular-season debut against the Sacramento Kings on October 27, 2023.
On December 19, 2023, Jackson-Davis recorded his first double-double with 10 points, 13 rebounds, and 3 blocks in a 132–126 overtime victory against the Boston Celtics. He followed with another double-double performance against the Washington Wizards on December 22, recording 10 points and 15 rebounds in a 129–118 win. On April 4, 2024, he set a career-high of 20 points alongside 5 rebounds and 4 assists in a 133–110 victory over the Houston Rockets. During his rookie season, Jackson-Davis averaged 1.1 blocks per game, ranking fourth among all rookies.
During the 2024–25 NBA season, Jackson-Davis appeared in 62 games including 37 starts, averaging 6.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.7 assists. He was assigned to the Santa Cruz Warriors on March 9, 2025, citing the need for more consistent playing time. In the 2025–26 season, he played in 36 games with one start, averaging 4.2 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 0.9 assists.
Toronto Raptors (2026–present)
On February 5, 2026, Jackson-Davis was traded to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for a 2026 second-round draft pick. He made his Raptors debut on February 8 in a 122–104 victory over the Indiana Pacers, recording 10 points and 10 rebounds in 15 minutes. This performance made him the fifth player in franchise history to record a double-double in their debut with the team.
Trayce Jackson-Davis Career Highlights
Jackson-Davis has accumulated numerous accolades throughout his basketball career at both the collegiate and international levels. His collegiate achievements include being recognized as the all-time leader in rebounds and blocked shots for Indiana University, while also ranking third in scoring history.
College Accolades
His college honors include being named the Karl Malone Award recipient in 2023 as the nation’s top power forward and earning consensus first-team All-American recognition that same year. He was a three-time All-Big Ten selection, earning first-team honors in 2023, second-team recognition in 2022, and third-team accolades in 2020. Additionally, he was a two-time member of the Big Ten All-Defensive Team in 2022 and 2023.
High School and International Honors
Prior to college, Jackson-Davis was recognized as a McDonald’s All-American in 2019 and was named Indiana Mr. Basketball the same year. He earned Indiana Gatorade Player of the Year honors on March 15, 2019, an award given not only for athletic achievement but also for academic discipline and community service. At the international level, he won a gold medal as a member of the United States under-18 national team at the 2018 FIBA Under-18 Americas Championship.
Trayce Jackson-Davis Family
Family Background and Basketball Lineage
Jackson-Davis is the biological son of Dale Davis, a former power forward and center who played for the Indiana Pacers and other NBA teams. However, he was primarily raised by his mother and his stepfather, Ray Jackson, a former football player at Washington State. Originally, Jackson-Davis went by the last name Davis but decided to hyphenate his surname and add Jackson entering high school to honor both father figures in his life.
He explained his decision by stating that Ray Jackson raised him his whole life and deserved recognition. Both Dale Davis and Ray Jackson have supported his basketball journey, though they approach his development from different angles. Jackson-Davis has a sister named Arielle Bellian and two brothers. His brother Shaun played professional basketball in Europe and was a member of the Harlem Globetrotters. His younger brother Tayven Jackson played quarterback at the University of Tennessee before transferring to Indiana University, UCF, and ultimately UNT.
Personal Life
Beyond his athletic pursuits, Jackson-Davis has demonstrated commitment to academic achievement and community involvement. He maintained a B average during high school and volunteered locally as a youth basketball coach while also serving at the Wheeler Mission Center in Indianapolis, helping the homeless and those in need. These contributions were recognized when he received the Indiana Gatorade Player of the Year award, which considers character and academics alongside athletic performance.
2025 Season Performance
The 2024–25 NBA season marked Jackson-Davis’s second full professional campaign with the Golden State Warriors organization. He appeared in 62 games with 37 starts, averaging 6.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game. His ability to contribute across multiple statistical categories demonstrated his versatility as a role player within the Warriors system.
Despite his solid contributions, Jackson-Davis found himself assigned to the Santa Cruz Warriors of the NBA G League on March 9, 2025. He clarified that the assignment was not a punishment or demotion but rather an opportunity to gain more consistent playing time and development. This situation highlighted the challenges young players face in finding consistent minutes within a competitive NBA rotation.
Throughout his career, Jackson-Davis has shown the ability to impact games beyond scoring, particularly through his shot-blocking and rebounding. His defensive instincts and energy off the bench have made him a valuable asset whenever called upon. As he continued to develop his offensive game and adapt to the professional level, his defensive foundation remained his calling card for earning minutes and contributing to team success.