Glen ‘Big Baby’ Davis Talks Life After Basketball, Comedy Tour – NBC Boston

On March 13, the Boston Celtics sent Kevin Garnett’s jersey to the rafters at TD Garden, cementing his legacy in Boston sports history. Another member of the 2008 Celtics was there to see “his vet” shed a tear.
Glen Davis, also known as ‘Big Baby,’ joined ’10 Questions with NBC10 Boston’ this week and opened up about what stood out to him the most about his return to TD Garden and why he was so excited to get started. build his acting career. The former Celtics big man also shared which current NBA player he’s been watching this season and offered some words of wisdom to his Louisiana State University Tigers as they prepare for March Madness.
This transcript has been slightly edited. Watch the full interview above.
NBC10 Boston: KG [Kevin Garnett] No. 5 went to the TD Garden Rafters last weekend. What was the most memorable part for you?
Glen “Big Baby” Davis: It was just seeing him cry. Never seen KG rip or anything. He really cried, and I was surprised like that. A guy with so much passion and seeing him so happy… was awesome.
What do you think is one of your best memories with him?
I have so many memories. KG was my vet. I spent a lot of time with him backstage, just to kick him. It meant a lot to know that I was part of his process, his journey and I will always have a friend.
Do you remember the day you met him?
The first day I met him, he and I had one of the biggest fights ever. I’m a rookie coming in, it’s September and we’re all playing pickup [basketball] Learning to know each other.
I do a shot over him and I’m like I’m talking to myself like “Get up!” because I had a problem with my arch and my shot so I’m talking to myself. He turns around and says “Hey [expletive]Who are you talking to?” I’m like, “KG, I’m not talking [expletive] bro, I’m just tryna get my booty.” He’s like, “[expletive] your swag.” It was our first meeting, but after that, we were inseparable.
What have you done outside of playing (basketball)?
What I really like to do is comedy… It’s new. I always wanted to do this. I always wanted to get on stage, but now it’s just to do it. It’s a whole different process. You have to start from scratch, but it’s fun.
You majored in theater at LSU. Was comedy always part of the plan?
I just knew I was going to be in the entertainment somehow, but now here it is. Like a basketball player, I increase my reps. Now I have this tour coming. It’s gonna be exciting.
How was the process of breaking into comedy?
It’s a lot of hard work. People don’t realize how hard you have to work, get through writer’s block, and really try to come up with jokes. Gather a team and make sure they speak to you and your way of being as an actor. Watch old comedians and see the flow, see how they adapt… The pay is a little different from the NBA but you have to humble yourself.
You talked about studying other actors. Is there anyone who has stood out to use as a role model?
You know, I’m an old school guy, from Louisiana, I’m a southern guy. I love those old comics: Bernie Mac, Richard Pryor, Eddie Murphy, Martin Lawrence. There are so many I could name, but these guys have that old-school edge. So I’m kinda on that path. I love this kind of comedy. I also like some of the new guys, DC Youngfly, the 85 South Show. These guys are awesome with what they do with improv comedy.
(Why) is your comedy tour taking place in Massachusetts?
I came to the East Coast because I have so many fans and so much love here. Being a basketball guy and Mass. being a basketball state, it was just a peek to come through there first and really push it forward. It’s gonna be fun. I can not wait.
Can you give us a preview of what fans can expect on the tour?
Well, you know, it’s a “Life After Basketball Tour” and it’s about everything I encountered after I left the game. As a basketball player, we’re like in this fantasy world. Crazy money, travel, fan interaction now that you’re retired. Just things I miss in the game and things I don’t. Meetings with Doc (Rivers), meetings with KG, meetings with (Rajon) Rondo. It’s just who I am as a basketball player but now who I am as a person. This is a tour where you can see who Glen Davis is as an individual. What kind of person he is. You get to see the real “Big Baby”.
Who is the current NBA player you have followed the most this season?
I followed Grant Williams. I look at his game and I feel like if I was the player I should have been, it would have been him. The way his body is formed, the way he plays the game. I want him to do more. I talk to him about it all the time about the use of his body, the way he plays. I looked at Grant. I love his position, the way he settled on the Celtics. I feel like if he can give us six to eight more points, we’ll be a competitive team… I watch him a lot. I want him to succeed. I love his game. He’s an SEC guy, so you know we gotta stick together.
Were you really impressed with his improvement from last season compared to this season?
He got better. To get into the (NBA) and change his game. He completely changed his game. Now he’s shooting three, so it shows me that he can adapt, but at the same time, he’s not him yet . What made him great and why he got drafted… I just don’t want him to forget who he really is as an individual on the court.
The “Life After Basketball” tour began in Plymouth in February, but Davis’ next stops include Comedy Attic in Worcester on March 25-26, Comedy Scene in Foxboro on April 1, Off Cabot Comedy in Beverly on April 7 and finally LaughBoston. April 15.