Glen (Big Baby) Davis: Boston Celtics X-Factor for 2010-2011 NBA Season

 Big Baby, an undersized power -forward, played like a grown man in the 2010 NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers. During the 2010 NBA season the Boston Celtics lacked depth at the power forward positions, but this year there is more talent and experience at these two spots. Jermaine O’Neal and Shaquille O’Neal bring a lot to the Celtics as a team, but their play will not be more important than Davis’ this year. Davis will need to perform at the same level that he did in the 2010 NBA playoffs to help the Celtics reach the NBA finals once again.

Earlier in the off-season Davis has been quoted saying he doesn’t know his role on this year’s Boston Celtic team. Celtics coach Doc Rivers quickly refuted his statements saying that if Davis doesn’t know his role by now then he will not play. This is true, it is Davis fourth year in the NBA and it is at this point that NBA players are on the verge of finding an identity in the league. Davis’ play will be vital to the success of the Boston Celtics bench and during the playoffs his play will help the Celtics tremendously.

This year’s Boston Celtics bench will be very strong. From last year’s team the Celtics kept Nate Robinson and Marquis Daniels to relieve Paul Pierce and Rajon Rondo. The additions of Delonte West, Shaquille O’Neal, Jermaine O’Neal, Luke Harangody, Semih Edren, Avery Bradley, and Von Wafer allow the Celtics bench to develop a close knit second unit.   The Boston Bench Mob’s play will also levitate Davis’ game to the next level. Now not only will Davis have the chance to play with the Celtics starters, he will also work like a well oiled machine playing with the Celtics bench.

Every time Davis steps on the court, he plays with toughness and energy, which correctly embodies the way all Boston Celtics should play. Though Davis is an Undersized NBA power-forward, he still seems to get the job done. With the exception of Nate Robinson, he plays against the odds every night having to finish over higher jumping, taller players. Davis’ does have and edge on everyone he faces, his girth and the amount of space he takes up in the paint allows him to succeed.  He also possesses great footwork, can step out and make a 15-foot jumper, and sets great screens to get his teammates open looks.

Bottom line, Doc Rivers is right if he doesn’t know his role and what he should be doing he should just sit down. Davis’ just has to do all the little things he has been doing well for the last two years in the playoffs and regular season: Play Boston Celtics defense, grab a few rebounds, finish around the basket, make some open jumpers and bring the energy that he always plays with.  Davis will be the “X-Factor” this season and his play will earn him the respect that he deserves and help the Celtics make another run at the NBA title.