Two of Baron’s former coaches, Mike Dunleavy and Paul Silas, are certain he still could contribute even without an ability to attack the rim. “He’s one of the smartest players I’ve ever coached,” Dunleavy says. “That part of the game is never leaving him. Because of his size you could also throw him down in the post, and he’s a terrific ball-handler, has vision and can get you into your sets. I’d have no concerns about bringing him in as a third guard and mentor to the young guys.”
More on Baron Davis Comeback?
A couple of weeks ago he reconnected with his former agent, Todd Ramasar, and Saturday held a private workout for the Dallas Mavericks. They supposedly remain interested, but as with everyone else, they want to see him play first. While a source close to Davis says interest also has been expressed by teams in Finland, Israel and Australia, where former Knicks teammate Al Harrington is currently playing for the Sydney Kings, going overseas would probably push a return to the NBA to next season. It also might make it difficult for him to keep up his maintenance work with Hines and Dr. Khaziran. Forging his way back through the no-frills D-League actually holds a certain appeal. He doesn't want to come back because of who he was. He wants to make it back because of who he is.
So could he possibly recapture any of that, at 36, after a three-plus-year absence? "I don't know that people know the shape he's in," says Hollins, who worked out with him between being released by the Memphis Grizzlies in late October and picked up by the Washington Wizards at the end of November. "He can still play a couple years in this league."
Two-time NBA All-Star guard Baron Davis is expected to sign a contract with the NBA's Development League by Wednesday, his agent Todd Ramasar told Yahoo Sports.
Davis, 36, decided over the weekend that he would sign a contract to join the D-League after contemplating the move for two years. Ramasar said that Davis' wife recently gave birth to their second child, which pushed his hopes of joining the D-League until after Jan. 20.
The Dallas Mavericks, who have been known to add NBA veterans to the roster of their D-League affiliate, the Texas Legends, worked out Davis in Los Angeles last Sunday, Ramasar said. "He is looking forward to playing in the D-League and showing teams what he is capable of," Ramasar told Yahoo Sports. "He feels that the timing is right. More than anything Baron has put in the training and is confident in his body. He feels he is ready to return to the NBA."
Davis has been working out daily with former NBA assistant and player development coach Rico Hines, his former UCLA teammate, in Los Angeles. The 6-foot-3 combo guard last played competitively in the Drew League Pro-Am in Los Angeles last summer. "Every pro athlete wants to retire on his terms," said Ramasar, who also played with Davis at UCLA. "His current last game wasn't the way he wanted to go out. He is very excited about the D-League."
Marc J. Spears: Ex-NBA guard Baron Davis’ agent Todd Ramasar tells Yahoo that his client plans on making his D-League debut after 1/20.
Chris Reichert: Baron Davis has signed with the NBA D-League, per a league source #NBADL
Baron Davis: I'm focused. My conditioning is getting better and I am getting stronger. Hey, I'm starting to look like them and walk and talk like them again. Hell, these dudes are getting up to play against me again. Challenging me. Pushing me. Talking trash. I kinda like this. Wait until I get to where I know I can get to the level I need; wait until I am around a team and can really lock in on tools and start to sharpen them with some structure around. This is a good feeling. I'm feeling good about this. I need to embrace this feeling and be more like these guys. I like this new generation. I want to be a part of it. I have something to offer, something valuable. I still got it, so they say. But it's a long journey and now I'm fully committed to the journey, the climb, the hurt, the commitment, the unity and the brotherhood.
Baron Davis: And it's fun, because it the hardest thing I have done this far and the war with myself is over. The battle with the demon of doubt is over. I'm focused and I'm going for it. Wherever this game leads me, I know it won't be disappointing because I'm appreciative of the journey and the opportunity. It was almost lost, gone and killed off.
"This is the first time I'm going to put myself out there, I'm going to try out for some teams." @Baron_Davis on looking to get back to @NBA
How are you feeling health-wise? Baron Davis: "I'm feeling good, man. I'm working out a lot, getting back in basketball shape. At some point, I'm going to get a call and a workout, and I'll show them what I can do. But it feels good to just be able to play again and be back on the court, and now it's just a matter of climbing back up that mountain and proving to people that I can still do it."
Our sources say Davis -- the #3 overall pick in the 1999 NBA Draft -- has been speaking with several squads who feel he could be a good backup for a young point guard. We're told the Clippers and the Cavs are among the playoff contenders interested in Davis ... with the Lakers also in the conversation. We're told so far ... there is NOT a deal in place, but that could change very soon.
Baron Davis is in talks to return to the NBA ... TMZ Sports has learned ... with sources telling us the 35-year-old has been in communication with multiple "playoff contenders." Davis -- a 2-time NBA All-Star -- hasn't played in the league since 2012 ... but we're told he's been keeping himself in shape and is serious about a return to the pros.
He is 35 now and hasn’t played in a game in more than two years, but Baron Davis insists he’s serious about a comeback in the NBA. Davis is in Las Vegas for summer league, just as he is every year. Only now, the former Cavs guard is looking for a job. Davis tore the ACL and MCL in his right knee during the New York Knicks’ playoff series against the Miami Heat two years ago. He’s still not 100 percent, labeling his health “somewhere in the 80s,” but believes he can contribute to a team and said he’d love to return to Cleveland. “Cleveland always has a special place in my heart because when I got traded there, people doubted whether I’d ever play and those fans embraced me and the organization embraced me,” Davis said. “At that time, I needed Cleveland more than Cleveland needed me.”
Jared Zwerling: When asked what offensive system he likes, Baron Davis said the Clippers & Warriors. Feels like he can play 15-20 minutes a game next year.
Jared Zwerling: Just chatted w/ Baron Davis in Vegas. He's ready to make his return this fall. "Put the news out there!" he said. Watched him train. Fluid.
