Mar 2, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Glen Davis (0) reacts to a foul call by the officials in a game with the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. Davis fouled out of the game. The Los Angeles Clippers win 110-105. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Will the Los Angeles Clippers be able to work out a veteran’s minimum deal to keep Glen Davis? It’s hard to tell. Although, Big Baby has recently said that he wants to play for a championship contender. Which not only shows that he won’t settle for playing overseas yet, but it could also suggest that he’s completely against leaving the Clippers all together. Because after all their offseason additions to become a title contender, why would he want to leave?
Davis didn’t have the biggest role with the Clippers this year. Mainly because he hardly made a positive impact at either end of the floor, which is summarized effectively by his +/- of -14.8. The harsh truth is that it’s terrible. -14.8 speaks for itself and there aren’t many ways you can try and make it sound any less impressive.
He only played 12.2 minutes per game through the regular season and even less when the stakes increased in the playoffs, as his minutes went down to just 10.3 a night. And now that the Clippers have signed Josh Smith, they have a far more athletic and versatile power forward to back-up Blake Griffin.
Smith’s shooting improved whilst in Houston (his three point percentage increased to a career high 33), he averaged 16.9 points, 8.4 rebounds and 3.7 assists per 36 minutes, he was fundamental in eliminating the Clippers in the second round, and has far more talent and versatility as a defender.
Unfortunately for Big Baby, the arrival of Smith has seriously diminished his value. So, if he wants to continue playing in the NBA, he may well need to leave Los Angeles.
Glen Davis told @SInowLIVE, “I want to go on a team that’s competing for a championship." He plans to pick a team by the end of August too.
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) August 17, 2015
As Michael Scotto of Sheridan Hoops and the Associated Press pointed out, Davis doesn’t have long to find a new team if he intends to do so by the end of August. And as no reports have emerged that he’s nearing a deal with the Clippers, it looks even more likely that his departure from L.A. will be happening soon.
However, the fact that Davis has expressed he wants to play for a title contender rather than any old team that will take him is interesting. Not because it’s something most free agents would say, but because after the Clippers’ host of additions, his comment may be implying that he’d rather stay put.
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If he doesn’t sign with an NBA team, Davis has also made it clear that he’s willing to play overseas, either in China or Europe (per Sportando). It will be a step down after being so close to playing for this revamped Clippers team for the 2015-16 season, but in order to continue playing basketball, that may be the next step for Davis. Otherwise he’ll need to hope that another NBA team takes interest in adding his energy, size and veteran leadership (although no reports have appeared stating that any teams are actively pursuing him).
The Clippers made an excellent move by signing Josh Smith for just $1.5 million. For Glen Davis, though, there’s a chance that (for now) it’s ended his NBA career.
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