The Curious Case Of Glen Davis

Glen Davis has developed into one of the league's top 6th men. After showing virtually no offensive ability as a rookie, Big Baby came into his second year looking to prove he was more than just a "garbage bucket" player. With Garnett out for a large chunk of the second half and the playoffs, Glen earned a spot in the Celtic's starting 5. With his new found minutes Davis quickly proved to the league that he knew how to knock down shots when it mattered, this was never more clear than in Game 4 of the ECSF when, with 2 seconds left in the game, Paul Pierce swung the ball to Glen Davis for a chance to win the game... and Big Baby nailed it.

Going into his third season Glen Davis had a few ups and downs. At first he had the high expectations because of his great playoff performances, then with the signing of Rasheed Wallace he started to question his role on the team. After his childish antics The Celtics started to question their faith in him. Big Baby missed the first 2 months of the season due to a hand injury he suffered while "horsing around" with one of his friends. Then after he came back he would have inconsistent playing time, and more importantly an inconsistent jump shot. His performance would be and and down throughout the year. But once again in the Playoffs Big Baby would shine.With KG suspended for Game 2 due to his altercation with Quentin Richardson, Glen got the nod and put up 23 points and 8 rebounds. Later in the NBA Finals Glen would combine with Nate Robinson to take over the 4th quarter and seal a Celtic victory in Game 4. Davis was undoubtedly a big part of last season's run to the Finals.

Going into this season same questions were asked about Glen Davis. "Can he bring the same intensity when he isn't starting?", "Can he accept his role, and is he willing to accept that he isn't a star?", "Is he mature enough to be a major part of this teams future?". All of these were valid question, and with Glen Davis seeing big minutes early in the season, he gave answers. Glen Davis currently leads the league in taking charges. As Paul Pierce said earlier in the year, Big Baby has to be at the top of the list when talking about the NBA's top 6th men.

The Ticket Stub's game would be best compared to players like Antonio McDyess, and Joe Smith in the later parts of their careers. He's a "pick and pop" big man, who can crash the offense glass, and is respectable in the low post. The main difference between Glen and the others is that they were once athletic, but were forced to become shooters as their skills legs diminished. Davis on the other hand is already a decent jump shooter who, as the pounds come off, is becoming more and more athletic as his career goes on.

If Big Baby can continue to gain athleticism he could easily become a decent NBA starter. What Glen lacks are the things that most young NBA players depend on. Young players usually come into the league with unbelievable hops but lack the outside jumper and willingness to throw their weight around, Davis defenitely has both of those.