Davis and Green to provide punch off C's bench

[j804]

Nice article on Jeff and Baby you can sense the chemistry forming look forward to what these two bring 

By Jessica Camerato
CSNNE.com

The image of Glen Davis carrying Nate Robinson on his back as he roared in celebration on the TD Garden parquet is one of the most memorable moments from the Boston Celtics 2010 NBA Finals run.

The scene captured the Celtics' intensity that spread from the starting five all the way down the bench.

This season Davis looks to help propel the Celtics' second unit in another quest for the trophy. Even though Robinson is no longer on the team, Davis has a new sidekick this time around.

“This isn‘t Donkey and Shrek,” Davis told CSNNE.com. “This is Jeff Green and Glen Davis.”

Davis and Green’s relationship began long before Green was traded to the Celtics from the Oklahoma City Thunder in February.

As high schoolers, they crossed paths in the AAU circuit. During their junior years of college, they worked together at a Nike Camp in Indianapolis. The Louisiana State Tiger and Georgetown Hoya bonded over their passion for basketball and similar laidback personalities off the court.

Months later, they were linked together again in the 2007 NBA Draft. Green was selected by the Celtics with the fifth overall pick and sent to the Seattle SuperSonics in a package deal for Ray Allen. But the trade could not be completed without the final piece of the puzzle -- the 35th pick, Glen Davis.

The two fed off of each other as they relived that night.

“I was at home, he was in the green room,” Davis recounted.

“I was in there for like three hours,” Green said. “I had to wait on you to get picked until I could go.”

“Three hours?” Davis asked, shaking his head.

“Ok,” Green paused as a smile emerged, “It was like two.”

The friends laughed.

“We got traded for each other -- our relationship was meant to be,” said Green, unable to keep a straight face as he looked at Davis.

This season a trade brought Green back to another type of green room -- the Celtics locker room. He was initially seated next to former Thunder teammate Nenad Krstic, but when Krstic’s close friend Pavlovic signed with the team, Green moved to the vacant locker in between Davis and Kevin Garnett.

Their close proximity has translated on to the court.

“It played a big part. Look at us. You can’t separate us,” Green chuckled. “This guy teaches me the ropes. He’s helping me fit in around these parts in Boston. He’s been there for me ever since I got here, helping me out, getting me acquainted with everything.”

Davis was happy to welcome a familiar face.

“I’ve had a chance to know Jeff personally and also his attitude, the way he’s a fun-loving, easy-going guy,” Davis said. “He loves the game of basketball just like I do. We’re both young players trying to establish ourselves in the NBA.”

Green has received a crash course in Celtics basketball since the trade, often learning the system on the fly as he transitioned from the starting lineup in Oklahoma City to the second unit in Boston. Having Davis, a proven sixth man, by his side has helped him adjust to coming off the bench.

“I’ve watched him a lot and I’ve seen how he’s played over the last couple years,” said Green. “I understood what it was going to take to try to help this team, and just watching him and his actions have really helped. The biggest thing was trying to bring energy.”

In 26 games with the C's, including two starts in the final regular-season contests, Green is averaging 9.8 points and 3.3 rebounds. Davis is posting career highs with 11.7 points and 5.4 boards in 29.5 minutes per game.

As the Celtics approach their first-round series against the New York Knicks, the friends look to deliver a one-two punch on a second unit that has been hampered by injuries throughout the season.

“They’re going to be the guys that are going to make a difference for us in the playoffs,” Ray Allen told CSNNE.com. “We count on them to bring energy and score for us.”

Davis is up for the mission, looking to capture his second title with the Celtics. Green has bought in, too, motivated by Davis’ previous success as a role player on a winning team.

“We want to win another championship,” said Green. “When two people have the same goals, it attracts friendship.”

Jessica Camerato is on Twitter at http://twitter.com/jcameratoNBA

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[Chris]

They really need them to be big in the playoffs.  I think Davis has been playing too many minutes, which has left him pacing himself I think, and Green, well, he seems like he has still been trying to find his way. 

But, if this team is going to be successful deep into the playoffs, the bench (and lets include West as well, who could be huge) needs to be a difference maker. 

[Fafnir]

They really need them to be big in the playoffs.  I think Davis has been playing too many minutes, which has left him pacing himself I think, and Green, well, he seems like he has still been trying to find his way. 

But, if this team is going to be successful deep into the playoffs, the bench (and lets include West as well, who could be huge) needs to be a difference maker. 

I want Davis back in his role from last year's playoff run. Energy and hustle off the bench in about 20 minutes, he was very good on the boards and at attacking the paint during his minutes compared to what we've seen this year.

[Chris]

They really need them to be big in the playoffs.  I think Davis has been playing too many minutes, which has left him pacing himself I think, and Green, well, he seems like he has still been trying to find his way. 

But, if this team is going to be successful deep into the playoffs, the bench (and lets include West as well, who could be huge) needs to be a difference maker. 

I want Davis back in his role from last year's playoff run. Energy and hustle off the bench in about 20 minutes, he was very good on the boards and at attacking the paint during his minutes compared to what we've seen this year.

Me too.  And I think is what will happen if Shaq plays.  If not...

[Spilling Green Dye]

By "punch off the bench", I hope they mean "play hard within their respective roles".  If Green isn't running the floor, attacking the hoop, and rebounding then he's not doing what he's supposed to be doing.  And if Davis is taking too many shots (particularly from outside), not rebounding, and not setting quality screens, then he's failed too.

Davis and Green have an opportunity to provide a lot of value off the bench.. provided they play for the best interest of the team.

[Marcus13]

I haven't been pleased with either of them over the course of the last couple months.  Let's hope they pull it together when it counts

[Dunn]

All depends on Doc how effective both will be. Green should be the first player off the bench if of course Shaq doesn't start, then it should be Jermaine. It really isn't that complicated unless our coach is extremely stubborn and keeps playing a losing hand. Green can help with Ray's early ineffectiveness or replace either center so we can fastbreak while Rondo is in the game. Baby shouldn't even be on the floor til Rondo and KG are ready to sit. He'll come in with Delonte and Krstic so they can run their halfcourt. Keep following the same ignorant script and we will have to climb out of another deficit again versus Knicks.

[Steve Weinman]

They really need them to be big in the playoffs.

Cue Baby/size joke.

-sw