It may have only been a five-minute cameo, but Jerdarrian Devontae (JD) Davison impressed. The second round pick in the 2022 draft is still on the team via a two-way deal for the third straight year and despite limited minutes in the final preseason game, he made sure to give Joe Mazzulla and the rest of the coaching staff a lasting reminder of what he can do.
When Davison entered the game, the Celtics were trailing by nine and he instantly started to shift the energy. It started on the defensive end when Davison deflected a pass which led to him scoring a layup.
Pushing the ball on the break has always been one of his many strengths since coming out of Alabama. There aren’t many guys quicker than Davison when he’s at full speed with the ball is in his hands. On the layup, despite being surrounded by multiple Toronto players, Davison had a quick spring and got the ball on the backboard before they blocked his shot. The basket got the game to within four with 3:49 left.
Then down seven with under three minutes left, JD showed he’s a more confident shooter knocking down a three-pointer plus the foul.
Then on back-to-back possessions, Davison used his speed and experience to get to the rim and bait a couple of fouls leading him to make 3-of-4 free throws.
The biggest shot of the game came with under 30 seconds remaining down by two and JD Davison took the inbound pass and drilled a step-back three-pointer to give Boston a brief lead.
Although Boston ultimately lost, JD was a clear winner in the game. Joe Mazzulla loves having as many tools as possible and Davison has a unique skill set. He has elite speed and if can continue to hit three-pointers at a reasonable clip, then Mazzulla may find a role for him on days when players are given a rest or are out with injuries.
The biggest knock on Davison has been his turnovers and playing out of control. Given that he’ll continue to spend time in Maine, he can continue to polish his offensive game and be ready on days when he’s called up to Boston.
Davison only turned 22 earlier this month and during the offseason, there was a question whether or not Davison would be back in Boston or seek a different opportunity elsewhere. Brad Stevens and the rest of the front office found a way to bring Davison back after being one of the best G League players last year.
