The Toronto Raptors delivered a 148–98 preseason obliteration of the New York Knicks at Scotiabank Arena on October 13, but amid the celebration of Kawhi Leonard’s sharpshooting return, a far more significant rotation storyline erupted in the final quarter.
Big man Trayce Jackson-Davis made his 2026 preseason debut with a jaw-dropping, hyper-efficient 10-minute stint that sent Scotiabank Arena into a frenzy and sent shockwaves directly through head coach Darko Rajaković’s coaching staff.
Going a perfect 4-for-4 from the field for nine points, three rebounds, one steal, and two emphatic blocks, the former Golden State Warriors center displayed the exact vertical athleticism and rim protection Toronto’s frontcourt has desperately lacked.
10 Minutes of Pure Mayhem: Jackson-Davis Ignition
Jackson-Davis’ fourth-quarter stretch transformed a blow-out game into a high-stakes audition.
After throwing down an explosive running slam over New York’s Pacome Dadiet off a Malachi Smith feed, TJD immediately erased Jaden Akins at the rim on back-to-back defensive possessions—drawing a stunned, standing reaction from Scottie Barnes and the Raptors’ bench.
During his 10 minutes on the floor, Jackson-Davis produced 9 points on 100% shooting (4/4 FG), grabbed 3 rebounds, swatted 2 shots, and added 1 steal.
Acquired as a key trade-deadline piece last season, the 26-year-old big man has spent most of his Toronto tenure waiting on the fringes of the rotation. However, with the Raptors waiving Trey Jemison III and holding limited options behind starting center Jakob Poeltl, Jackson-Davis’ burst of athletic force comes at a critical juncture.
Pressure Mounted on Veterans Poeltl and Kyle Anderson
While Jakob Poeltl remains locked into the starting center role and veteran Kyle Anderson provides playmaking stability, neither player possesses the explosive, above-the-rim energy that Jackson-Davis unleashed against the Knicks.
Alongside second-year forward Collin Murray-Boyles, TJD gives Rajaković a high-motor, vertical threat who can alter shots and finish in transition—an archetype that contrasts sharply with Poeltl’s methodical, low-post style.
With two preseason games remaining against the Knicks and Detroit Pistons, Rajaković is expected to rest key starters to evaluate his depth options ahead of next week’s opening night.
If Jackson-Davis replicates this high-impact performance over the coming days, Rajaković will have no choice but to hand him a permanent rotational role, forcing a complete redesign of the Raptors’ frontcourt pecking order.
