The 2023 NBA draft was an event that had basketball fans buzzing with excitement. With big names like Victor Wembanyama from France headlining the draft class, anticipation was high. However, the lottery showcased a plethora of talent, from Scoot Henderson of the G League to Brandon Miller from college, and the Overtime Elite’s Amen Thompson and Ausar Thompson. It wasn’t just the first-round picks that stole the show though, as the second round had its own share of standouts who made a lasting impression.
One such standout from the second round was GG Jackson II, who surprised many by falling to the Memphis Grizzlies at pick number 45. Initially, Jackson II saw limited playing time in the first 36 games of the season, but as the Grizzlies’ playoff hopes faded, he was given a chance to shine. And shine he did, becoming the third youngest player in NBA history to score 20 points in back-to-back games. He ended the season on a high note, averaging 20 points over the last 18 games, with a spectacular 44-point outburst in the final game of the regular season.
Another second-round steal was Trayce Jackson-Davis, who landed with the Golden State Warriors as the second-to-last pick in the draft. Jackson-Davis made an immediate impact for the Warriors, helping them to a 10-6 record when he was in the starting lineup. With his athleticism and versatility, he filled a void in the Warriors’ lineup that had been missing for some time. Jackson-Davis proved to be a valuable asset on both ends of the court, providing rim protection on defense and finishing above the rim on offense.
As the Warriors gear up for the upcoming season, they find themselves in a promising position. Despite not adding a star player to their roster in the offseason, they still have Stephen Curry and Draymond Green leading the charge. Jackson-Davis is poised to step into a larger role and contribute to the team’s success. With his ability to complement Curry and Green on the court, he is a frontrunner to secure a spot in the starting lineup on opening night.
It’s clear that the second-round standouts from the 2023 NBA draft have the potential to make a significant impact next season. GG Jackson II and Trayce Jackson-Davis have already shown glimpses of their talent and are ready to take the league by storm. As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on these young stars as they look to continue their impressive performances on the NBA stage.
