Glen Davis: Let the Clippers Have Just this One

All has been quiet on the Glen Davis front over the last three days, and it would behoove head coach Jason Kidd and the Milwaukee Bucks to keep it that way.

More from Bucks News

The signing of Chris Copeland may have potentially killed Milwaukee’s interest in Davis, but if it hasn’t yet, the Bucks need to take a closer look at the many reasons not to sign Davis.

It’s actually pretty remarkable that there is even a market for someone like Davis who has become nothing more than an out of shape shell of his former self.

Not sure if that supposed vegan diet is working out or not.

That being said, it might not be fair to criticize Davis for being out of shape seeing as how “big baby” has somehow seemingly made a career out of it and one that has spanned eight seasons.

It’s surprising, because Davis’ deficiencies are so alarming. He struggles to defend the basket and doesn’t rebound the ball particularly well either. Davis has a measly career average of 4.4 rebounds a game.

His career high came in the 2012-13 campaign in which he averaged 7.2 rebounds in a starting capacity before breaking his left foot 34 games in. It would be fair to say Davis was unlikely to have kept that output going throughout the entirety of the season.

He also averaged a career high 15.1 points that season. Just your classic case of overachieving. The Orlando Magic were trying to move on from the Dwight Howard saga and as expected it was a disaster.

It wouldn’t be the first time an unlikely role player put up good numbers on a bad team.

Apr 13, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Glen Davis (0) guards Denver Nuggets guard Randy Foye (4) in the first half of the game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

The majority of his problems come from his “unconventional” basketball build. Davis is listed at 6′ 9” but plays far below his height which causes him to be ineffective not only as a shot blocker but also as someone who can at least contest shots.

Davis’ near 300-pound build severely reduces his lateral quickness on pick and roll and makes him a defensive liability. He’s rarely in position to make a play on the ball in any capacity other than hitting the floor and trying to goad an official into a charge call.

His weight also keeps him glued to the ground which limits his ability to rebound the basketball. He somewhat uses his weight to his advantage by keeping a body on people, but it hardly prevents them from scoring in the paint.

Davis does his best to fight through his limitations by playing hard and scrambling to loose balls, but there is only so much he can do in a far more athletic league.

Other NBA players who share similarities to Davis are characterized negatively because, like Davis, they don’t have the actual basketball skills necessary to thrive.

However, it’s not all bad with Davis. He does have some pluses offensively. I wouldn’t call it the makings of an NBA offensive game, but it’s something alright.

Big Baby’s mid-range jumper is pretty steady, and it is the one thing that has kept him in this league. We wouldn’t even be having this debate without that much improved jumper, because Davis wouldn’t be here. That’s a fact.

May 2, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Glen Davis (0) reacts after a basket in the first half of game seven of the first round of the NBA Playoffs against the San Antonio Spurs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

His lack of size and skill limits his ability to finish around the basket. He’s a career 45 percent shooter because of that. That is inexcusable for a big man even if he doesn’t fit the conventional power forward role.

Davis consistently has to work twice as hard as everyone else to score which has turned Davis primarily into a pick and pop player.

It’s led Davis to fall in love with his jump shot and become one-dimensional, if you can even call it that. He’s also never been known to move the ball and averages under an assist a game for his career.

One could argue last year was an anomaly, and Davis is due for a comeback season. I don’t see it that way. The Clippers lacked serious depth in their frontcourt and Davis still only managed 12 minutes of playing time.

Spoiler alert, it wasn’t because he deserved more. This is one Clipper the Bucks should stay away from.

Next: Projecting 5 Bucks Who Could Improve The Most Next Season

More from Behind the Buck Pass

Home/Bucks News