Glen Davis

Glen Davis To Play In BIG3

Glen Davis is the latest NBA veteran to make the move to the BIG3, with Ice Cube’s summer 3-on-3 league announcing today (via Twitter) that “Big Baby” will suit up for Power and will be the club’s co-captain for the 2018 season. Cuttino Mobley is Power’s current captain, per the BIG3’s official site.

Davis, who is still just 32 years old, signed a G League contract in the fall, but wasn’t immediately claimed off waivers or signed from the player pool by any G League clubs. According to Marc J. Spears of The Undefeated (Twitter link), there were NBA teams with interest in having Davis on their G League affiliates, but the former LSU standout is now focused on the BIG3 instead.

Davis, who last played in the NBA during the 2014/15 season for the Clippers, logged more than 500 career regular season games – plus 96 postseason contests – for the Celtics, Magic, and Clips. He averaged 8.0 PPG and 4.4 RPG over the course of his NBA career.

With the second BIG3 season set to get underway in June, the league has added several notable former NBA players this offseason, with Davis joining a group of newcomers that includes Nate Robinson, Baron Davis, and Jason Maxiell.

And-Ones: G League, Draft Lottery, Wiltjer, Davis

The NBA G League season will tip off on Friday night, with a record-setting 26 teams set to compete this year. While that still leaves a handful of NBA clubs without affiliates of their own, G League president Malcolm Turner tells Sam Amick of USA Today that he’s confident the number of teams in the league will increase to 30 within the next couple years.

“It’s not out of the question that we may find ourselves launching another four teams for [the 2018/19 season] to get us to 30. But I think the realistic timeframe is ’19/20,” Turner said. “Washington is already confirmed for ’18/19. It’s been well reported that New Orleans, where they stand in the process. We expect they will announce within the next month or two, and Portland and Denver are also well down the road in the process of doing it as well, and so we’re excited about that.”

Turner is also encouraged by the fact that the average distance between NBA teams and their affiliates has come down significantly in recent years, allowing franchises to make better use of those affiliates. According to Turner, as recently as five years ago, the average distance between an NBA team and its G League affiliate was about 550 miles — now it’s approximately 120 miles.

Here are a few more odds and ends from around the basketball world:

  • Rather than holding the 2018 draft lottery in New York next spring, the NBA will have the event take place in Chicago on May 15, followed by the combine – also in Chicago – from May 16-20, the league announced on Thursday.
  • Within his latest article for ESPN.com, Zach Lowe wonders if the Magic could be a viable landing spot for Eric Bledsoe, and takes a look at how the Kings‘ veteran free agent acquisitions have underachieved so far.
  • Former Rockets forward Kyle Wiltjer signed a one-year deal this week to play with Olympiacos in Greece, as Nikos Varlas of Eurohoops.net details. Wiltjer was in camp with the Raptors this fall and was set to play for Toronto’s G League team before deciding to head overseas instead.
  • Veteran big man Glen Davis, who recently signed a G League contract, wasn’t claimed by a team on waivers and will now enter the available player pool, a source tells Adam Johnson of 2 Ways & 10 Days (Twitter link). G League teams set their opening-night rosters this week and likely aren’t looking to make changes right away, so Davis may have to be patient as he waits for an opportunity.

Glen Davis Headed To The G League

After two years out of the NBA, Glen Davis will go to the G League in an effort to make it back, tweets Marc J. Spears of The Undefeated.

His agent, John Hamilton, told Spears that Davis has agreed to a G League contract and is waiting to be claimed by a team. The Texas Legends, Dallas’ affiliate, hold the first waiver selection, according to Adam Johnson of 2 Ways and 10 Days (Twitter link).

Now 31, Davis’ last NBA job was with the Clippers in 2014/15. He was part of L.A’s rotation, appearing in 74 games and averaging more than 12 minutes per night, but had ankle surgery after the season and wasn’t re-signed.

Davis is one of the few remaining active players to be drafted by the Seattle Supersonics. A second-round pick in 2007, he was traded to Boston on draft night along with Ray Allen and became part of the the 2007/08 championship team. He was dealt to the Magic in 2011 and signed with the Clippers after agreeing to a buyout in Orlando in 2014.

Glen Davis Considers Playing In G League

Glen Davis may be headed to the G League as the next step in what he hopes will be an NBA comeback, relays Marc J. Spears of The Undefeated.

An eight-year veteran and a valuable reserve on the Celtics’ 2008 championship team, Davis hasn’t played in the NBA since the Clippers chose not to re-sign him after the 2014/15 season. At age 31, he still believes he has a place in the league.

“I want to play. That’s my next step,” Davis said. “Whatever I have to do to show I can play the game at a high level still and help a team win, I will do. I know it’s going to be a process because I haven’t played in two years. But I feel like I’m at the prime in my game and I still have a lot to offer. I am considering the G League. It’s a great opportunity to show all 30 teams that I can play without getting hurt. They can see what I can still do. This is the best opportunity to make my steps back to the NBA.”

Davis’ NBA resume includes 514 games with the Celtics, Magic and Clippers, averaging 8.0 points and 4.4 rebounds over his career. He also has a long injury history that began in 2013 with Jones fracture surgery on his left foot. He had ligament surgery on his left ankle two years later, then broke the ankle in a 2015 playoff series.

Davis expected to recover within two to three months and said he was contacted by both the Clippers and Mavericks, but no offers materialized.

He claims to be “100 percent” recovered from the physical problems and can go through workouts without pain. Davis has dropped 20 pounds and lists his playing weight at 295. He also says he has improved his 3-point shot and is ready to be a stretch forward. He wants to prove he can contribute to an NBA team, even if he has to go to the G League first.

“I want to play. That’s my next step,” Davis said. “Whatever I go out there to do to show I can play the game at a high level still and help a team win, I will do. I know it’s going to be a process because I haven’t played in two years. But I feel like I’m at the prime in my game and I still have a lot to offer.”

Pacific Notes: Iguodala, Gay, Bell, Rivers, Pre-Draft Workouts

While Andre Iguodala is no longer the All-Star caliber athlete capable of memorable dunks, he is a vital cog on both sides of the ball for the championship winning Warriors, Connor Letourneau of the San Francisco Chronicle writes.

Iguodala, 33, has not averaged double-digits in points since joining Golden State in 2013 but his play in the 2015 NBA Finals, the first five games of last year’s series, and the first game of this year’s showdown displayed his value. As Letourneau mentions, had the Cavaliers not completed an improbable comeback last year, Iguodala may have been the NBA Finals Most Valuable Award recipient.

After knee and back troubles in recent years, Iguodala is now a key part of the Golden State bench. Following his seven points, three rebounds and two steals in 24 minutes on Thursday, the Warriors will look for similar contributions the rest of the series.“It’s only going to get harder from here,” Iguodala said. “We just have to stay locked in.”

Here are additional notes from the Pacific division:

  • The Lakers are set to hold a pre-draft workout for several collegiate players this Monday, according to the team. The list of players scheduled for the workout includes Richmond forward T.J. Cline, Oklahoma State point guard Jawun Evans, Villanova guard Josh Hart, California’s Roger Moute a Bidias, Iowa State point guard Monte Morris, and Syracuse forward Tyler Roberson.
  • Former Clippers teammates Glen Davis and Austin Rivers engaged in a mini-feud this week, starting with Rivers’ comments on FS1’s Undisputed that Davis was out of shape, constantly late, and struggled to remember players during his brief L.A. tenure (via NBC Sports). Davis subsequently shot back with an expletive-laden Instagram post, claiming that Rivers walked around with a cocky disposition and that he owes his career to his father.
  • Coming off Achilles surgery, forward Rudy Gay was seen at Roc Nation Pro Day earlier this week and reportedly looked in good shape, per Jonathan Givony of Draft Express (via Twitter). Gay, 30, played in 30 regular season games with the Kings before suffering the injury and is expected to exercise his opt-out and hit free agency this offseason.
  • Jason Jones of the Sacramento Bee writes that Oregon’s Jordan Bell is an intruiging target for the Kings in the NBA Draft. Known for his toughness and defensive prowess, Bell could add a strong dimension to a Kings team in transition following the trade deadline trade sending DeMarcus Cousins to the Pelicans.
  • Doug Haller of The Arizona Republic writes that SMU forward Semi Ojeleye is a good target for the Suns in the second round draft. A built body and athleticism give Ojelye a good shot to mold into a productive NBA player despite limited college experience.

Glen Davis Hoping For NBA Return

Veteran power forward Glen Davis is training in hopes of an NBA comeback, according to a post on TMZ. The 31-year-old is reportedly working out five to six days a week in Thousand Oaks, Calif., with the goal of catching on with a team before the end of the season.

Davis last played for the Clippers in the 2014/15 season. He sat out all of last year after having surgery on his left ankle to repair torn ligaments, a cyst and bone spurs.

Davis is reportedly “100% confident” that he can still play in the NBA. He has a full team of specialists helping him build up strength and endurance, along with a nutritionist and a “mindset development guru.”

Davis played eight NBA seasons with the Celtics, Magic and Clippers.

And-Ones: Calderon, Davis, Sullinger

Knicks big man Kyle O’Quinn says the team’s offseason moves should translate into a playoff berth in 2016/17, Marc Berman of The New York Post relays. “I’m excited about every year, but this year it looks so clear,’’ O’Quinn told Berman. “A lot of people will put us in there. It’ll be a different element in training camp instead of being a startup trying to shock the world. We made a lot of changes and it looks like the playoffs, but you got to put the work in.

Here’s the latest from around the NBA:

  • The Bulls and Sixers had discussions about Philly acquiring Jose Calderon, but the two sides were unable to reach a deal and the point guard was traded to the Lakers instead, David Aldridge of NBA.com tweets.
  • Several teams are looking to clear cap room to make a run at Bucks restricted free agent Miles Plumlee, Aldridge tweets.
  • Unrestricted free agent Glen Davis, who sat out last season after undergoing surgery to repair torn ligaments, a cyst, and bone spurs in his left ankle, has resumed basketball activities and is looking to catch on with an NBA club, Marc J. Spears of The Undefeated tweets.
  • The Celtics face a tough decision regarding restricted free agent Jared Sullinger, with the team in need of his rebounding, but not in the position to match a large offer sheet by another team, were the big man to sign one this offseason, writes Chris Forsberg of ESPN.com.
  • Clippers guard C.J. Wilcox will have surgery to repair a broken right hand on Friday, the team announced. Wilcox was given a timeline of four-to-six weeks before he will be able to return to basketball-related activities, according to the team.
  • The Lakers are pleased with what they have seen in summer league play from 2016 lottery pick Brandon Ingram, Joey Ramirez of NBA.com writes. “I’m very excited about what he can do,” coach Luke Walton said. “Obviously he’s young and there’ s a lot of work to do. This is a grown man’s league. But as far as knowing how to play the game and the skill set of being able to handle the ball, bring it up, post up, his defense — he’s been all over the place defensively, getting deflections for us — I’m very excited about the way he’s played so far.”

Western Notes: Mudiay, Davis, West

Lakers coach Byron Scott thinks Nuggets rookie point guard Emmanuel Mudiay will be “pretty good,” but he had concerns about his three-point shooting and wasn’t as high on him coming into the draft as he was on D’Angelo Russell, whom the Lakers picked second overall, writes Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Daily News. Discussing what stood out about Russell leading up to the draft, Scott said, “His workouts were extremely good. You saw the leadership qualities that he had. You saw the ability to pass the ball and make other guys better, the ability to get to the basket and the ability to knock down 3s, open jump shots and off-the-dribble shots. He had the total package offensively. Defensively, the one thing I thought he did was he competed.

Here’s more from out of the Western Conference:

Chuck Myron contributed to this post.

Glen Davis Out 8-12 Weeks After Ankle Surgery

Unrestricted free agent power forward Glen Davis underwent surgery today to repair torn ligaments, a cyst, and bone spurs in his left ankle, Marc J. Spears of Yahoo! Sports reports (Twitter links). Davis is expected to be out of action for two-to-three months before being permitted to return to basketball related activities, Spears adds, which means Davis could return to the court in mid-November or early December if all goes well with his recovery.

This news certainly complicates matters for the 29-year-old, who was garnering strong interest from the Clippers in free agency. Coach and executive Doc Rivers had spoken with Davis’ representatives last week, but no deal was struck. The two sides have reportedly been circling each other since early July. It’s likely at this point that Los Angeles will move on from Davis and look elsewhere to fill out its training camp roster, though the Clippers could certainly revisit adding the forward when he’s recovered from today’s procedure, but that is merely my speculation. Los Angeles currently has a roster count of 15 players, 14 of whom possess fully guaranteed deals.

The Mavericks also reportedly contacted Davis’ representatives recently to discuss a potential deal, and playing overseas in China or Europe were also possibilities for the veteran, as was relayed by Brad Turner of The Los Angeles Times last week. The Bucks were also mentioned as potential suitors early in free agency, but the signing of Chris Copeland effectively removed Milwaukee from the mix for Davis’ services.

Davis appeared in 74 contests for the Clippers during the 2014/15 campaign and averaged 4.0 points and 2.3 rebounds in 12.2 minutes of action per night. His career numbers through eight NBA seasons are 8.0 PPG, 4.4 RPG, and 0.9 APG with a slash line of .447/.182/.700.

Latest On Glen Davis

The Clippers remain interested in signing unrestricted free agent Glen Davis, Brad Turner of The Los Angeles Times relays (Twitter links). Team coach and executive Doc Rivers spoke with Davis’ representatives this week, but no deal has been struck just yet, according to Turner’s sources. The two sides have reportedly been circling each other since early July. Los Angeles currently has a roster count of 15 players, 14 of whom possess fully guaranteed deals.

The Mavericks have also contacted Davis’ representatives recently to discuss a potential deal, and playing overseas in China or Europe also remain possibilities for the veteran, Turner adds. The Bucks were also mentioned as potential suitors early in free agency, but the signing of Chris Copeland effectively removed Milwaukee from the mix for Davis’ services.

Davis said recently that he expects to sign by month’s end and wants to play for a contender, and he is hopeful that he’ll return to the Clippers, as he told the Gio & Jones show on CBS Sports Radio“I would love to go back,” Davis said. “Doc and his system works for me. He needs a guy to set picks and do the dirty work and stuff like that. I feel at home there. It’s just about getting [a deal] done.” Rivers had reached out to Davis on the opening day of free agency, and they share a lengthy history dating back to their time with the Celtics.

The 29-year-old appeared in 74 contests for the Clippers during the 2014/15 campaign and averaged 4.0 points and 2.3 rebounds in 12.2 minutes of action per night. His career numbers through eight NBA seasons are 8.0 PPG, 4.4 RPG, and 0.9 APG with a slash line of .447/.182/.700.