Will being Big Baby wreck Glen Davis' career with Boston Celtics?
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Glen Davis is still a 'Big Baby'.
During Wednesday's Celtics-Pistons game, Boston's young post swore at a Detroit fan who was harassing him about his weight. The post's rather graphic response was caught by television and radio, while also stunning fans sitting courtside.
On the one hand, Davis' behaviour was understandable. He is, after all, a target because of his considerable girth. Night-in, night-out, he gets abused because his frame is more Charles Barkley than Karl Malone.
On the other hand, being a professional athlete means being professional and turning the other cheek –regardless of what a paying customer says about your wife, baby momma, or personal appearance.
Simply put, this is the deal for NBA players. Like it or not, fans buy a ticket and the right to speak their mind. Almost everything is fair game. Very little is off limits.
A bigger, more troubling issue exists for Davis. Once again, his lack of professionalism is overshadowing his, well, sizeable talent and, well, vast potential to eventually develop into a very good NBA Player.
Remember, Davis injured his hand and missed two months of the season when he fought a former college teammate at four in the morning following a drunken night on the town. Dedicated athletes - at least the ones serious about their craft – don't stay out all night, recreate Fight Club, or drink copious amounts of booze.
The late-night dust-up wasn't Davis' first situation, though. In fact, there have always been whispers about his work ethic, practice habits, and fragile make-up. For instance, 13 months ago, he broke into tears after Kevin Garnett yelled at him and the entire second-unit for not maintaining Boston's lead in a game against the Portland Trail Blazers.
And Davis' so-so reputation has already hurt his bank account. The puffy-post did an admirable job replacing an injured Garnett during last year's playoffs and, as an unrestricted free agent, seemed in line for a significant raise during the summer -even though it was a buyer's market.
With Davis' past, few teams were interested in his services, so he had to take what the Celtics were offering – a two-year deal for six million dollars. Based on performance and play, he should've received mid-level exception money at/or around five million dollars in annual salary.
On Wednesday, Davis showed he still lacks maturity and hasn't learned from his mistakes. The 'Big Baby' schtik must end or his career with the Celtics will. And what an unfortunate waste of talent and potential that would be.
Is Davis running out of time in Boston? Get at us in the comment box below and follow Oly on HoopsVibe and Twitter. Photo courtesy of quadcerteops.
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