JD Davison has been a two-way player for the Boston Celtics for the past three seasons. During this time, Davison has established himself as one of the top players in the G League. The Alabama product was the Celtics’ second-round pick in 2022. Earlier this season, Davison became the Maine Celtics’ all-time leading scorer.
For the season, Davison is averaging 24.9 points, 8.0 assists, and 4.7 rebounds; he is an MVP frontrunner. Despite his incredible play in the G League, Davison hasn’t been given a real chance in the NBA; he has only appeared in a total of 25 games in three seasons. Let’s dive into Davison’s exceptional G League play and why he deserves an opportunity in the NBA.
JD Davison Deserves an NBA Opportunity
Davison’s finishing ability and playmaking stand out the most in his game. He has elite speed and athleticism, which he uses to constantly pressure the rim. During last Thursday’s game against the College Park Skyhawks, Davison delivered several clutch baskets, including a stepback three to force overtime and a layup to secure an overtime win for Maine. Davison finished with 36 points (22 points in the paint), eight rebounds, and six assists in Thursday’s game. His speed, finishing, shot creation, and basketball IQ stood out in this game.
Furthermore, Davison controls the game with his court vision and playmaking. He makes a variety of passes, including on pick-n-roll actions as well as drive-and-kick plays. Davison’s elite playmaking, paired with his scoring, makes him incredibly difficult to guard. Whether it’s finding the open man off a double-team, or creating his own shot, Davison always makes the right read. After Thursday’s game, head coach Tyler Lashbrook praised Davison’s basketball IQ.
Maine Celtics head coach Tyler Lashbrook on JD Davison:
“He’s one of — if he’s not the — smartest player I have ever been around.” pic.twitter.com/38eSOc0tEt
— Noa Dalzell
(@NoaDalzell) January 17, 2025
Davison also rebounds and defends incredibly well for a 6-foot-1 guard. As a high-IQ playmaker who can control the pace of the game and an elite finisher with a well-rounded skill set, Davison’s game would translate to the NBA level. While he won’t have the same scoring or shot-creation responsibilities in the NBA, Davison’s elite playmaking will help him make a positive impact.
On Saturday’s game against the College Park Skyhawks, Davison poured in 24 points and 13 assists this game highlighted both his shot creation and playmaking abilities. Additionally, this game showcased his high basketball IQ as he made the right reads and took what the defense gave him. Ultimately, Davison has shown everything possible to earn an opportunity in the NBA.
Will Davison be Given an Opportunity With the Celtics?
Despite Davison’s excellent play in the G League, it’s unclear if this will result in an opportunity with the Celtics. However, a possible Jaden Springer trade could open up an opportunity for Davison. While a Springer trade feels somewhat likely, it will be challenging for Davison to get consistent minutes in a loaded Celtics’ guard rotation. Regardless, with more NBA minutes, Davison could shine and show his high upside. Even in occasional spot minutes with the Celtics, Davison’s versatile skill set and upside would be on full display. Davison remains determined and unfazed in his path to the NBA. After Thursday’s game, Davison spoke candidly about what he thinks it would take for him to break through and get to the NBA.
“Honestly, I don’t know. I just try to be where my feet are, try to just come out here and have fun, just play basketball. Anytime I get to play basketball I’m grateful, so whenever that chance happens, it will happen.”
This response highlights Davison’s leadership and ability to stay in the moment. While Davison is chasing a chance to contribute at the NBA level, he continues to keep his head up and makes an incredibly well-rounded impact in the G League. Davison’s contract with the Celtics is up after this year. If the Celtics are unwilling or unable to offer him a standard contract, expect a young team to give Davison an opportunity. The 22-year-old guard has the skill set of a rotational NBA guard and plenty of potential; he just needs a chance at the next level. Whether it’s with the Celtics or another team, at some point, Davison will be a quality NBA player.
The post JD Davison Deserves an NBA Opportunity appeared first on Last Word On Basketball.