Buy-Low Big Men of 2013
By David MacKay
Dec 7, 2012; Sacramento, CA, USA; Orlando Magic power forward Glen Davis (11) shoots the ball against Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) during the second quarter at Sleep Train Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
#2 – Glen Davis
Known more commonly by the moniker “Big Baby,” Davis has been the butt of many jokes throughout his career, but I’m not joking when I say that the Blazers could use his talents. At 6’9”, 289 lbs, Davis can play both power forward and center. Like Hickson, he’s short for a 5, so this scenario plays out better if Portland elects to start Meyers Leonard. Davis could support Aldridge, then swing to center if the Blazers want to go small.
Davis served alongside Dwight Howard in 2011, but took on a bigger role to staunch the bleeding when D12 was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in 2012. However, Nikola Vucevic (part of the Howard trade) has quietly developed into one of the best young centers in the league, and Tobias Harris (acquired from Milwaukee at the deadline) dazzled at power forward after Davis broke his foot. The immediate need just isn’t there anymore for Orlando.
The Magic could hope to ditch his contract since his value to them has dipped below $6.4 million. The Blazers would make a reasonable trade partner, and may be able to seize him for relatively little.