When the Cleveland Cavaliers traded with the Los Angeles Clippers, speculation surrounded guard Baron Davis.
Initial reports stated Davis was disappointed with the trade, and ESPN analyst Jalen Rose said he would not be surprised if Davis never showed up in Cleveland. But Davis squashed those rumors with his good-bye letter to Clippers fans Friday on Facebook.
“I can’t wait to join my new team, bring good energy and help us win games,” Davis said. “I’m ready to call The Q home and bring some excitement!”
Davis personally shared his enthusiasm over the phone with Cavs coach Byron Scott, which Scott shared during Friday’s shootaround.
“He’s really looking forward to [playing for Cleveland] and us having a second opportunity for me to coach him and him to play for me,” Scott said.
Davis’ health has also caused concerned for some.
Throughout his 12 season, Davis has played every game only four seasons and missed fewer than 15 games for an additional one, not including this season.
Although an MRI on Davis’ left knee came back negative, Scott held him out of Cavs’ game against the Philadelphia 76ers Sunday and said Davis is questionable for Wednesday’s games against the San Antonio Spurs because of soreness.
It’s unknown when Davis will make his Cavs debut, but Scott said he hopes it will be either Friday or Sunday.
In the meantime, Cavs guard Ramon Sessions, who is averaging 19.4 points on 56 percent shooting, 8.8 assists, 4.6 rebounds and 1.8 steals over the last 10 games, continues to start.
But Scott said Sessions might not head to the bench once Davis returns.
“I envisioned [Sessions and Davis both starting] as soon as we made the trade,” Scott said. “I thought they’d definitely be on the floor together because of the way they play and because of the way [Davis] can guard people.”
Until Davis plays a game for Cleveland, one can only speculate whether he is a perfect fit for the Cavs.
Financially, Davis’s contract is hard to swallow, making a guaranteed $13 million this season, $13.9 million next season and $12.3 million in 2012-13—Davis’ final year includes $2.5 million in “unlikely” bonuses that bring his contact to $14.8 million.
But the Cavs now have large expiring contracts in Antawn Jamison, Davis and Anderson Varejao that they can use as significant trading chips, if they wanted to.
Davis seems determined to restart his career with the Cavs after a tumultuous relationship with Clippers’ owner Donald Sterling, who heckled Davis from his courtside seat early this year.
“I look at it as a rebirth, a new beginning,” Davis said. “I’m excited just watching this team. Having played for coach Scott, I know we’re together for a reason.”
“There’s some things my game can benefit from just playing in his system. I’m just looking forward to the challenge to come out play with a lot of passion entertaining basketball and give it my all for the fans of Cleveland.”
Davis also selected to wear number 85 as a tribute to his beginnings and his grandparents, who raised him.
“It’s a special number,” Davis said. “That’s the street my grandmother lives on. I can get back to my roots, even if I have to dribble in the snow to get to the gym.”
Against all reports, Cleveland might be the best place for Davis.
Both Cleveland and Davis are in the process of rebuilding themselves to what they once were. As long as Davis stays committed to what he has said since the Cavs traded for him, it will be a beautiful marriage.
Christina Milian Kelly Brook Robin Tunney Kate Groombridge Dania Ramirez
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