The New York Knicks Score with Baron Davis

We’ve already seen some “fallout” from the NBA’s new, streamlined budget–the Cavaliers have lost power player Baron Davis.  The Cleveland Cavaliers waived Davis a week ago, choosing instead to keep him as an “amnesty player” in an attempt to control their cap figure.  However, the New York Knicks wisely signed this new free agent, as they have been looking for a way to strengthen their backcourt.  The team also added defensive player Tyson Chandler to their roster in recent weeks.

At the moment, Davis is out of action with a herniated disk in his back, an injury that could keep him out of the game for over two months, or possibly for one month.  In any event, it’s a safe bet that Davis will be back in time for heavy competition towards the mid-season.  Sources are reporting that Davis is getting over two million from the Knicks, which is most assuredly a vote of confidence from New York.

Davis has been performing well in all of his games, leaving the court last season with an average of 13.1 points and 6.7 assists.  Knicks player Carmelo Anthony credited Davis with the Cavaliers’ victory over the Knicks last year.  “Everybody knows what he can do when he’s healthy and when he’s focused…they beat us and [Baron Davis] was a big part of those wins.”

The Knicks weren’t the only ones who were courting Davis for their court.  The LA Lakers and Miami Heat were also expressing interest in Davis, as they too had extra salary-cap space.  What probably allowed New York to secure Davis was the fact that they aggressively pursued him even when he was injured.  Will their gamble pay off?  Since Davis is a proven talent, and still relatively young at 32, any betting man would see a good long-term investment in Davis.

The biggest “owch” of this scenario is the fact that the Cavaliers still have to honor Davis’ contract, and pay nearly $30 million to a player they don’t even use anymore.  At least they’re getting tax benefits!

What do you think?  Was Davis a good investment for New York?

Categorized in: NBA