RJ Davis Shines in Summer League Win
With Bryant resting on the second night of a back-to-back, guard RJ Davis seized the moment and led San Antonio to a 20-point performance in 28 minutes against Milwaukee. Davis finished 6-of-16 from the field and 2-of-7 from three-point range, but his all-around impact was evident. He contributed one rebound, three assists, two steals, and just one turnover, finishing with a game-best plus-minus of +22. Davis’ approach showcased his ability to influence a game beyond scoring, leveraging activity on defense and solid decision-making to help the Spurs secure the victory.
Across six Summer League appearances in both the California Classic and Las Vegas events, Davis has averaged 12.0 points, 2.2 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.0 steal per game. His shooting numbers reflect room for improvement, as he’s hit 37.3 percent from the floor, 25.0 percent from beyond the arc, and 55.6 percent at the free-throw line. For Spurs fans who may still be getting acquainted with his name, Davis enters his second professional season with considerable momentum.
Davis began to make his mark during his time with the Los Angeles Lakers’ G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers. In 49 appearances (41 starts) last season, he averaged 18.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 1.3 combined steals and blocks, while shooting 46.9 percent from the field and an impressive 42.4 percent from three-point range. Davis also played a pivotal role in South Bay’s late-season surge, helping the team post a franchise-record 12-game winning streak before advancing deep into the postseason.
Breakout Rookie Year Set the Stage
Davis’ rookie season featured several high points, including four 30-point games and a career-high 45-point performance against the Salt Lake City Stars in January. In that game, he went 15-of-22 from the field, buried six triples, and added five rebounds, eight assists, one steal, and two blocks. Despite standing just six feet tall, he demonstrated strong defensive instincts, recording multiple blocks in several games, including a three-block performance against the Santa Cruz Warriors. One of his most complete efforts came in another win over Salt Lake City, when he posted a 30-point triple-double with 10 rebounds and 10 assists.
Momentum and G League Next Up
As the season progressed, Davis gained confidence and consistency, enough to earn a place in the G League Next Up tournament during NBA All-Star Weekend. He is viewed as one of the more intriguing guards on the periphery of the NBA, recognized for his offensive creativity and two-way potential. While earning a spot on the Spurs’ regular-season roster remains an uphill climb, a practical pathway could involve a move to the Austin Spurs in the G League. If he isn’t signed to a two-way contract, the Spurs would need to secure his returning G League rights from the Lakers—a routine offseason transaction that often occurs across the league.
What This Means for the Spurs
Davis’ Summer League sum of work indicates a player who is continuing to develop and refine his game under the Spurs’ system. His versatility on offense, coupled with his defensive engagement, positions him as a credible future contributor, whether in short-term rotational roles or as a longer-term depth piece. For San Antonio, the ongoing assessment of Davis’ fit with their lineup will shape decisions about two-way contracts and potential roster spots as the NBA calendar moves toward training camp and the regular season.
Beyond the immediate Summer League performances, the Spurs are evaluating a roster that blends young prospects with potential upgrades. Davis’ development is a focal point, given his track record in the G League and his flashes of scoring and playmaking ability at the pro level. If he can translate Summer League success into consistent NBA-level production, Davis could become a notable asset for San Antonio, whether as a regular-season contributor, a two-way project, or a plan-in-waiting for future opportunities.
In the broader context, Davis’ journey echoes a common path for many young guards: hone your craft in the G League, seize opportunities in the NBA summer showcases, and leverage strong performances into a realistic pathway to an NBA role. The Spurs’ front office and coaching staff will continue monitoring his progress, weighing how his skill set complements the team’s long-term strategy and whether a two-way contract or a season-long development assignment best serves both him and the franchise.
Conclusion
The Spurs’ Summer League chapter features a blend of promising individual performances and strategic development. Davis’ breakout showings, coupled with his steady improvement over the course of the summer, suggest he is trending in a positive direction. As San Antonio navigates its roster-building process, Davis’ continued growth could prove instrumental in determining the team’s approach to guard depth and potential future contributions on the NBA stage. The current arc points to a player who is earning attention and elevating his profile as he continues to refine the tools needed to compete at the highest level.
