The Boston Celtics need Glen Davis, not Big Baby

Breaking news mixed with analysis …

Their News: "Boston Celtics forward Glen "Big Baby" Davis had surgery on Tuesday to repair his broken right thumb after fighting with a childhood friend while riding in an SUV less than two days before the season opener.

A police report identified Davis as the victim and said his friend, Shawn Bridgewater, appeared to be intoxicated". (ESPN.com news services)

My Quick Analysis: Perhaps, there were other reasons Kevin Garnett lashed out at Glen ‘Big Baby’ Davis during a blow-out victory last season.

Perhaps, Garnett was upset with Davis acting more like his moniker and not a professional athlete. And perhaps, the legendary post sensed his teammate would get caught in the kind of situation that recently unfolded.

Truth is, we’ll never know why the two clashed in early December, 2008. But Garnett and the Boston Celtics must pick up the pieces after Davis injured his thumb in a fight with a childhood ‘friend’ early on Monday morning.

(Remember, Garnett and Davis getting into it last season?)

Yes, alcohol was involved. And yes, surgery was required, which will keep the third-year man out a minimum of six weeks. Now the Celtics must determine what to do with Davis.

In the short-term, Coach Doc Rivers has to replace Davis, a valuable reserve. Unlike last year, superstar Kevin Garnett is healthy, while Kendrick Perkins will continue developing into a solid five-man. Of course, Rasheed Wallace and Sheldon Williams were signed this summer to add depth and play additional minutes if an emergency occurred.

The on-court stuff is covered. What about Davis’ relationship with the club? 

In the off-season, GM Danny Ainge and Rivers re-signed the puffy post to a two-year, $6.0 million contract on the strength of his fine playoff. The plan was for Davis to add depth and assume a larger role in the future.

Well, that could be in jeopardy. The injury will delay Davis’ progress as a player, but the bigger issue is his judgment -or lack of it. Pro athletes, at least the ones serious about improving their craft, aren’t out drinking until four am and scrapping ‘friends’ with the season approaching.

Now the Celtics are left to question Davis’ commitment. Maybe that’s why Garnett got so frustrated last season. 

What should Boston do with Davis? Get at us in the comment box below with thoughts. Follow Oly’s work on HoopsVibe The Blog and Twitter. Photo courtesy of juanc.paulino.