NEW YORK — 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."
The Cavaliers waived Davis last week through the amnesty provision. At the time, it was reported he would miss eight to 10 weeks. That likely was put out there to keep teams from bidding on him.
Since no one did, Davis cleared waivers and got to pick a contending team. The Lakers and Heat also were interested in the 12-year veteran.
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.
"He’s going to be good this season," a person close to Davis said.
When Davis is healthy, he’s one of the NBA’s more talented players. He averaged 13.1 points and 6.7 assists in 28.1 minutes last season with the Clippers and Cavaliers, and has career numbers of 16.5 points and 7.3 assists.
"There were times he was the best point guard in the league," Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni said. "I think a lot of it just depends on if he wants to be here and if he’s able to do it. If those things are positives, then he can turn into being a good thing for us."
While Davis gets healthy, third-year guard Toney Douglas and veteran Mike Bibby will handle the point guard duties. There have been questions about whether Douglas could run a team full time and how much Bibby, 33, has left.
D’Antoni said he trusts Douglas can do the job and that Bibby, who has been slowed by foot soreness, still can play. Still, the Knicks wanted to add quality depth to that position. It’s a risk because of Davis’ health, but could be high reward if he can play.
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 would like to add a versatile forward who can play both positions. James Posey and Bostjan Nachbar remain available. The Knicks can offer only minimum salaries.
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