After Family Tragedies, Orlando Magic's Glen Davis Looking to Improve Focus

by Evan Dunlap on Feb 19, 2012 9:50 PM EST in News

Glen Davis' first season with the Orlando Magic hasn't gone nearly as well as he and the team may have hoped. In addition to shooting a dismal 35.1 percent from the field, the 6-foot-8 power forward has suffered the loss of his grandmother and his father, questioned his move to Orlando from the Boston Celtics, been suspended for two games after a verbal confrontation with coach Stan Van Gundy, and received boos from the Amway Center crowd... and the season isn't quite halfway through.

In Sunday's loss to the Miami Heat, Davis' first game since attending his father's funeral, he scored 12 points on 3-of-10 shooting. It was Davis' sixth double-digit scoring performance of the season, and his first since January 24th. After the game, Davis reflected on what he needs to do to get back on track.

"With my grandmother’s death and now my father dying, I’ve got to be mentally strong right now," Davis told John Denton of OrlandoMagic.com. He continued, "I have to take it to another level completely with my focus. I’ve got to leave (the grief) out of here when I come in."

Davis is having arguably the worst-shooting season of any rotation player in the league. Among players who have taken at least 200 shots, but fewer than 10 three-pointers, Davis has the lowest field-goal percentage; further, he and Tyler Hansbrough are the only such players shooting below 40 percent.

"Knowing my potential I can only go up from here," said Davis. And he's positively right: if he can improve his shot-selection and begin sinking mid-range jumpers with relative ease, he can really provide a boost to Orlando's bench, which is wanting in offense apart from J.J. Redick and the little-used Von Wafer.

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Comments

unlike Arenas, there may be some hope for Baby

and he may perhaps lift his game. Oh, and he doesn’t cost 20 million.

I’m trying to be optimistic here, only because I don’t think he can play any more worse.

But what’s up with 4 veteran players experiencing their worst seasons the first year they move for Orlando? (Davis, Duhon, Q, J-Rich)

by RL Magic on Feb 19, 2012 10:25 PM EST reply actions

Should Vince Carter be on that list too?

by bucblizzard on Feb 19, 2012 10:59 PM EST up reply actions

probably... though he would subsequently have an even worse season in his second year (which continued on in Phoenix)

by RL Magic on Feb 20, 2012 2:52 AM EST up reply actions

Didn't we amnesty Arenas in order to make enough cap to trade Baby?

by isum on Feb 19, 2012 11:26 PM EST up reply actions

No, technically, I think the Magic used the Gortat trade exception in the Davis/Wafer trade

I haven’t read anything about that in particular though, but I’m making an assumption based on the fact we have a Bass exception now.

The Arenas amnesty was more of not having to pay roughly 18-20 million in luxury tax.

If the Magic must trade Dwight, Hedo better stay. He needs to retire a Magic.

by funny80sguy on Feb 20, 2012 3:42 PM EST up reply actions

Maybe he can focus on shooting less

Whilst he’s at it.

by eltharion_doa on Feb 19, 2012 10:35 PM EST via Android app reply actions 1 recs

You gotta admire the kid

Despite all his troubles off the field, this man is ready to play day in and day out. He may not be making smart plays offensively, but he still has the hustle and tenacity that made him who he is. I hope he can regain his focus soon though, as our clock is ticking and we need many prayers answered this season.

by cmgr09 on Feb 20, 2012 12:08 AM EST reply actions

After going through a funeral recently for a close family member

I wish all the best for Glen and his family.

As for the “on the court” focus, we all hope he gets better. Not just because we want to see the Magic win, but I think most Magic fans genuinely want to root for Big Baby.

The intensity has to go up, up! Not down...UP! -Stan Van Gundy

by cgsimone on Feb 20, 2012 11:51 AM EST reply actions

I can see him trying out there

He’s running to do screens and he plays good defense. However I think it is pretty easy to block Davis down low so his shot selection is pretty bad when he compensates for that. For example, yesterday he backed down Bosh ridiculously easy into the paint on a post up, but when he should have went for a layup or slam, he did a fadeaway instead.

His offense aside, I do really want Davis to be successful out there for the team. If he can relax a little, I think his numbers will catch up. Hopefully, time will heal his pain and maybe when the crowds start cheering for him again, that will help with the process.

If the Magic must trade Dwight, Hedo better stay. He needs to retire a Magic.

by funny80sguy on Feb 20, 2012 3:54 PM EST reply actions