The Knicks’ medical staff looked into Davis’ health and the organization concluded it was worth using a roster spot on him. The Knicks would not have gone forward with Davis, 32, if they believed he would miss more than two months in a shortened season that begins Christmas Day. A source said it’s more likely Davis will be sidelined four to six weeks.
Baron Davis has committed to sign with the New York Knicks, according to sources close to the situation.A source close to Davis told ESPNNewYork.com's Ian Begley that the veteran point guard flew into New York on Sunday night and is expected to be at the Knicks facility on Monday to finalize his contract.Davis cleared waivers Friday after he was released through the amnesty clause in the new labor agreement by the Cleveland Cavaliers.Davis has an expiring contract and could have a strong season to try to get another big payday. With all of the attention Anthony and Amar’e Stoudemire will receive, Davis’ play-making and shot-making abilities would be welcome additions for the Knicks. Davis also would work well with Tyson Chandler, throwing lobs to the center or feeding him as he rolls to the basket.
The Knicks have assembled one of the best frontcourts in the NBA and are working on improving their backcourt.Free-agent point guard Baron Davis will sign a one-year deal Monday with the Knicks for the $2.5 million exception. Davis will be sidelined for at least a month due to a back issue, but the Knicks felt comfortable in taking a chance on the former two-time All-Star.I would love to have him," Carmelo Anthony said after the Knicks’ open practice at Madison Square Garden on Sunday. "Everybody knows what he can do when he’s healthy and when he’s focused. When (Davis) is healthy he’s one of the best.Davis is still hurt and is notorious for often being out of shape, but we have to assume the contract is for the minimum so there's little risk. That and he improves the point guard rotation in spite of these issues. Oh, and Fear the Beard.
We would like to thank Baron for his contributions to the team during his time in Cleveland," Cavs general manager Chris Grant said in a statement Wednesday night. "He has been an absolute professional since the day he joined the Cavs and we now wish him the best in the future.Marc Stein is a senior writer for ESPN.com. Dave McMenamin covers the NBA for ESPNLosAngeles.com. Information from ESPN The Magazine's Ric Bucher, ESPNNewYork.com's Ian Begley and ESPN.com's Brian Windhorst was used in this report.
