Kim Klement- USA TODAY Sports
Glen ‘Big Baby’ Davis had a screw replaced in his left foot as he underwent his second surgery on the foot on Monday. Davis is expected to resume basketball related activities towards the end of the summer, according to Orlando Magic team officials, but what’s the rush?
The Magic still weren’t playing winning basketball with Davis in the lineup, going 13-21 with him and 7-41 in games without him, but Davis’ impact in all aspects of the game for a young team was noticeably missing when he went down for the season.
Judging by the timetable given by the Magic, Davis should be ready to go by the start of training camp on October 1.
Should the Magic either decide Davis isn’t ready or take an extremely cautious approach and let him heal for a longer period of time, it leaves a big hole at the power forward position.
Another extended absence for Davis could benefit the Magic by giving Andrew Nicholson or Romero Osby a chance at starting, and getting them more minutes regardless of who starts.
The Magic need to give Nicholson a better look in his second season to see if he has improved enough to warrant a spot in the rotation. He brings a skilled offensive game to the table, but his lack of athleticism is painfully obvious on the defensive end of the floor.
Osby, while undersized for a PF, is a strong player who plays big and is capable of throwing his weight around. Still not a defensive stalwart, Osby at least provides the team with tougher defense and tenacity around the rim.
Davis will be sorely missed from a defensive and leadership perspective, but for now the Magic have an opportunity to give more minutes to their less established power forwards.
