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Clippers still have “high interest” in re-signing Glen Davis

By Tom West

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Apr 28, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Glen Davis (0) celebrates against the San Antonio Spurs in game five of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. The Spurs defeated the Clippers 111-107 to take a 3-2 lead. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Doc Rivers has turned the Los Angeles Clippers’ previously worrying offseason into a remarkable success. Although, his latest possible idea isn’t so encouraging. Despite signing Josh Smith to back-up Blake Griffin and Cole Aldrich to support DeAndre Jordan, the Clippers are reportedly still interested in re-signing Glen “Big Baby” Davis.

The best part about Davis’ game is his effort. He uses his 6’9″, 289 lbs frame to great effect when setting (very) heavy screens and trying to force opposing big men away from the basket on defense, but that was almost the extent of his positive input as the Clippers’ backup power forward this year.

However, after reaching an agreement with Pablo Prigioni yesterday (per RealGM), the Clippers have a third point guard and the only main space on their roster now would be for another big man. And as has been reported by Brad Turner of the Los Angeles Times, Doc Rivers is interested in bringing back Big Baby:

In terms of the Milwaukee Bucks, it’s surprising that they are interested in Glen Davis. With one of the league’s lengthiest frontcourts — in the form of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Greg Monroe, John Henson and Miles Plumee — the addition of Davis makes little sense. And seeing as they already ranked second in defensive efficiency this year, offense is what they need most. Yet, after averaging just 11.7 points per 36 minutes and lowering the Clippers’ offensive rating by an appalling 18.5 points whenever he was on the floor this year, the Bucks signing him would be puzzling to say the least.

The Clippers, on the other hand, may benefit from another big, especially if either Jordan or Aldrich are injured so they don’t entirely run out of options at center (or need to move Griffin to play there instead). Although, when considering how detrimental Davis was to their offense this year, and his weak rebound (just 6.7 boards per 36 minutes) and rim protection, he has little to offer.

Apr 19, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Boris Diaw (33) falls on Los Angeles Clippers forward Glen Davis (0) during the third quarter in game one of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

That being said, if Davis is only playing around 5-7 minutes per game at best, his potential re-signing is at least better than if he were needed to play a significant role.

Josh Smith is far superior as an athlete, and his explosiveness and speed allow him to not only protect the rim as a help defender but cover guards towards the perimeter as well. To expand upon that, here’s a brief extract from a column of mine to highlight his defensive versatility:

"He averaged 1.3 steals and 1.7 blocks per 36 minutes with Houston this year, and even held opponents to shoot just 46.2 percent at the rim. If that wasn’t enough, he also forced opponents to shoot 9.4 percent lower than their season average from within six feet and 8.6 percent lower from as far as 10 feet out."

Now with Cole Aldrich to complete the Clippers’ frontcourt, who averaged 12.5 points, 12.5 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per 36 minutes this year, L.A. are in much better shape than they were this season with Davis and Spencer Hawes.

And even though another tough big may help to fill out the bottom of their rotation with minimal minutes each game, Glen Davis simply doesn’t look like a good option.

Next: If Jamal Crawford leaves, will the Clippers suffer?

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