On a day that should really be focused on the first game of the season the main storyline instead appears to be Glen Davis' hand. Note the latest updates will appear at the top as this story still seems rather fluid.
Update - The Celtics just put out the following press release:
BOSTON - The Boston Celtics announced today that forward Glen Davis underwent successful surgery to reduce and fix a right thumb fracture. The surgery was performed by Celtics Team Physician, Dr. Brian McKeon and was assisted by Dr. Hervey Kimball and Dr. Drew Terrono at New England Baptist Hospital. Davis is expected to miss the next six weeks.
"I would first like to apologize to my fans, teammates, coaches and the entire Celtics organization. I am extremely disappointed that this incident occurred and that it will prevent me from starting the season with the rest of my teammates. My teammates and the entire Celtics organization are extremely important to me and I will do my best to expedite the healing process and be back on the court as soon as possible," said Davis.
The Herald has details of the altercation:
According to the police report obtained by the Herald, Davis claimed his allegedly drunken childhood pal was "continually bothering his girlfriend," Jenna Gomez. . . . "It was two guys that had a fight over something that was said to a girlfriend," Waltham Detective Capt. William Stanton said. "They assured us there would be no more problems."
Marc Spears reports further on the altercation, and BBD's status:
Boston Celtics forward Glen Davis told Yahoo! Sports on Tuesday that he will be sidelined six to eight weeks after breaking his right thumb while trying to protect himself from a friend who slugged him.
Earlier updates follow after the jump
"Glen "Big Baby" Davis update: He is having surgery today to determine the extent of the injury. It is to his right (shooting hand) thumb"
Meanwhile, Gary Washburn reported that BBD is likely to be out "3-4 months . . . but not the season"
With Brian Scalabrine out following his freak cameraman incident in New York, it would seem that Shelden Williams will get BBD's minutes until Scal is back practicing his intangibles for the Celts. Shelden averaged 4 points and 3 boards in 12 minutes of pre-season action, with a 7 point and 8 board effort in 33 minutes of playing time against the Cavs last week.
Wyc talks suspension for Baby Glen:
In the wake of a thumb injury sustained during a recent altercation, Celtics forward Glen "Big Baby" Davis likely will be suspended by the team, owner Wyc Grousbeck confirmed to the Globe this morning.
Grousbeck initially reported that a suspension was "very likely" during an interview with Gene Lavanchy on the Fox 25 morning show.
"I've had enough of 'Big Baby,' so I'm going to start calling him Glen," Grousbeck told the Globe. "It certainly seems like there's going to be a suspension here."
He doesn't sound very happy.
Our very own Author, Master Po (who will also pen tonight's game recap) has the quote of the day in the comments:
Song of the Day by Biz Markie (slight remix on the chorus)
Baby You, you had what we need but you got punched on by a friend
Now you say your fat thumb won't bend, oh baby please
You, you had what we need but now Wyc will reach out and suspend
How long you gonna be on the mend, oh baby pleeeeeease
You, you had what we need but you know
now you'll never win............ oh baby please.........
The Globe has the following report this am:
Another league source confirmed the injury will require surgery and will keep Davis out indefinitely.
Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge said yesterday he "would not confirm or deny'' reports surrounding the injury.
Davis missed practice yesterday at the team's facility in Waltham, Mass., and did not travel to Cleveland for tonight's season opener against the Cavaliers.
"I am not making a public statement until we have all of the facts relative to the injury,'' Ainge said. "We sent him for a scan and further tests.
"It looks like he's going to be out for a while.''