Baron Davis News: Pro Sports Daily

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November 7

Los Angeles Times

"Baron Davis, a self-proclaimed aspiring author, was talking all about the transition game Friday. And not just the transition game on the court. He firmly declared the Golden State Warriors part of his life to be over and sealed shut. Davis backed up those words with his actions a couple of hours of later, leading the Clippers to a 118-90 victory against his former team at Oracle Arena. "I think that chapter is officially closed," he said. "I'm trying to open up that new chapter and start it here with the Clippers." Then again, last season's disaster with the 19-win Clippers could have prompted a book-burning party."

Clippers' Davis has unhappy return to Oakland

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March 18

L.A. Daily News

"Monta Ellis showed why he's the future Warriors point guard. He played a lot like last year's point guard, Baron Davis. Ellis matched his season high with 29 points, Corey Maggette had 21, and Golden State defeated the Clippers 127-120 Tuesday night, its seventh straight home win against the Clippers. "He took another nice step," Warriors coach Don Nelson said. "There's nothing wrong with being a scoring point guard. He tried to make plays, ran what coach wanted and showed good vision." Davis also scored 29 points in his first game in Oakland since opting out of his contract with the Warriors. He received a warm ovation before the game and even handed out a few hugs courtside just before ..."

Not a banner year for Baron Davis

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March 15

Los Angeles Times

"Baron Davis walked up, a glazed doughnut in one hand, a stern look in his eyes, flashing a playful smile. "I blame you," he said, chuckling slightly. "All of this is your fault." This, of course, refers to Davis' hope-turned-to-dust season as a Clipper. Ten hours later, this would include the horror of watching LeBron James erase a Clippers' 19-point lead, dragging Davis through a deeper nightmare. The ex-UCLA star wryly blames me for this because of a column I wrote two years ago. "A lot has changed since then," he says, while sitting at a Brentwood cafe. "A lot." That column, a sketch of a frenetic day spent with Davis, touted his on-court verve and off-court moxie. Back then, when ..."

Baron Davis clips Warriors

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February 24

Contra Costa Times

"With two minutes left on the clock and his Los Angeles Clippers up six, Baron Davis missed the front end of a pair of free throws. He missed the second, too, it seemed, until it dropped in after bouncing high off the back rim. Seconds later, he dribbled the ball on the right wing as he looked to make a play. He pulled up from 15 feet, banking it in off the glass. "He had a bit of a lucky game," Warriors coach Don Nelson said with a smile. "He banked in three shots. I didn't think he called bank on any of them." Luck, or one of those nights? The latter seems more likely. Davis' 25-point, 10-assist, nine-rebound performance - helping the Clippers hand the Warriors a 118-105 loss at the ..."

Davis not kind to his ex-mates

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February 24

San Francisco Chronicle

"In front of a crowd that was tiring of both his sluggish play and the Clippers' overall lousiness, Baron Davis finally showed his new and old teams what they've been missing this season. The ex-Warriors guard came up one rebound shy of a triple-double Monday to turn a runaway start by Golden State into a 118-105 loss at Staples Center. Davis had a huge hand in key runs during the first and third quarters, then sealed the Clippers' win with five straight points with about a minute left before finishing with 25 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds. "He was ready for us, as well he should be," said Warriors coach Don Nelson, who greeted his former guard with a pre-game hug outside the ..."

Baron Davis says he's not dogging it

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February 22

Los Angeles Times

columnist T.J. Simers

"I know dogs, so I stopped by to see Baron Davis. The Clippers have built a very nice kennel, including a combination wood/glass trophy case for their so-called show dogs, which, almost needless to say, sits empty. Tim Thomas called this home earlier this season. Bow wow, indeed. Now a suspended Zach Randolph resides here as well as so many other discarded players, including druggie Ricky Davis. The NBA's version of a pound, I guess. When I arrived Saturday, Baron Davis was lying down, which is pretty much the position he has been in all year. The Clippers signed him to a five-year deal for $65 million, and less than four months later there were rumors the team was trying to trade him to ..."

Clippers are even more barren without Baron

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January 26

San Francisco Chronicle

"The Los Angeles Dr. Feelgoods were in Oakland on Sunday evening. The team that makes you think, "Wow, things could be a lot worse," left that warm message behind, losing 107-92 to the Warriors, the Feelgoods' (a.k.a.: Clippers') sixth straight loss in Golden State's gym. The Clippers might have made a game of it if they had their star, Baron Davis, who has been nursing a sore fanny for the last seven games. The Clippers miss the sore Davis, sorely. So do the Warriors. It's barren without Baron. Without him, both teams are going nowhere fast, although the slow Clippers are getting there faster, 10-33 to the Warriors' 14-31. "I'm disappointed I don't get to see him, hang out with him," ..."

Clippers' Baron Davis praises character of teammates Mark J. Terrill / Associated Press Clippers forward Al Thornton, who had a season-high 34 points, throws down a dunk in front of Oklahoma City's Nenad Krstic in a 107-104 victory on Friday night.

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January 26

Los Angeles Times

"He probably didn't intend for it to sound humorous. But his first three words worked on a couple of levels. "We're warriors, man," Baron Davis said at practice Saturday. "We've got a lot of heart. Everybody is down on us right now and counting us out. But the fact of the matter is that a lot of our young guys and our bench has developed." Davis was talking about his hardy band of Clippers brothers-in-arms. The injured Davis watched the already undermanned team become even more depleted, only to hold on for a gritty victory against Oklahoma City on Friday night at Staples Center. Well, Davis was a Warrior. As in Golden State. The Clippers will play at Oakland for the first time since Davis ..."

Baron Davis to skip reunion Sunday

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January 24

San Francisco Chronicle

"So much for the long-awaited return of Baron Davis to Oakland this weekend. The Clippers announced that Davis, who has been out since Dec. 31 with a bruised tailbone, won't be making the trip north for Sunday's game. Davis reportedly strained his hamstring Tuesday. Crawford sits: Golden State's unofficial one-in, one-out policy continued Friday with guards Jamal Crawford and Monta Ellis essentially swapping places on the inactive list. Crawford was a late scratch with a right hamstring contusion, which team officials said was sustained during Wednesday's loss to Oklahoma City. Crawford, who played virtually every minute of the last five games - averaging 27.5 points and 5.5 assists during ..."

Baron's departure triggered Warriors' fall

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January 23

San Francisco Examiner

columnist Glenn Dickey

"When Baron Davis returns to Oracle Arena on Sunday, as a member of the Los Angeles Clippers, it will be a sad reminder to Warriors fans of what might have been. There were certainly reasons to debate whether the Warriors should have re-signed Davis to a contract of any length. His health was always a question; he's missed 11 of the Clippers' first 41 games. And he hasn't been a savior for the Clippers, who lost Elton Brand to free agency right after signing Davis and have been even worse than the Warriors. But one thing is certain: Davis' departure triggered a series of events that have led to a free-fall for the Warriors. The memories of one playoff run and another near-miss are fading ..."

Baron Davis, Zach Randolph join Clippers' shoot-around

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January 18

Los Angeles Times

"Maybe the Clippers can see this as a bit of good news. When the team had its shoot-around Saturday, injured players Baron Davis and Zach Randolph both put in a little work. With that in mind, Coach Mike Dunleavy was asked how close Davis, who missed his eighth consecutive game because of a bruised tailbone, and Randolph, who missed his 11th consecutive game because of a sore left knee, are to playing again. "I saw them on the court shooting for the first day today," Dunleavy said. "So that's not doing any running. So, it's hard to say." Randolph is battling an ear and nose infection that may further delay his return. Dunleavy said both Davis and Randolph will need to practice full-bore ..."

Warriors' Jackson captains 'Bring Back Baron' movement

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December 29

Contra Costa Times

"The Warriors came to Hollywood a day before Sunday's game, so you can probably imagine how swingman Stephen Jackson spent his Saturday. That's right, hanging with former teammate Baron Davis, one of Jackson's best friends. What you might not imagine is what Jackson talked to the Los Angeles Clippers point guard about: Davis coming back to the Warriors. "That's all we talked about," Jackson said. "I went to his house, spent some time with his mom and his grandmother. He wants to come back. And if he wants to come back, I want him back." After talks about a contract extension with the Warriors stalled, Davis opted out of the final year of his contract in July and signed a five-year, $65 ..."

Clippers' Davis presents challenge for N.O.'s Paul

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November 25

New Orleans Times-Picayune

"In three games against Chris Paul last season, former Hornets point guard Baron Davis often relied on post-up moves to shoot over him. Although Davis has changed teams since last season, Paul expected to see much of the same late Monday night when the Hornets played the Los Angeles Clippers at the Staples Center. Davis opted out of his contract with the Golden State Warriors in July to sign a five-year, $65 million contract with the Clippers. Against Davis last season, Paul averaged 22.7 points and 12.6 assists and led New Orleans to two victories against the Warriors. Paul achieved a triple-double against the Warriors last April when he scored 16 points and had 13 assists and 10 ..."

New Clipper Davis had 'fun' in first meeting with former team

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November 16

Contra Costa Times

"One down, three to go in the B. Diddy vs. Golden State reunion affairs. Clippers guard Baron Davis called his first meeting against his former team "fun" than it was stressful, though his team suffered a 121-103 win at the Staples Center. "That was fun going against Jack," Davis said of matching up against his good friend Stephen Jackson, who started at point guard for the Warriors on Saturday. "He's out there talking a lot. Jack's always talking. ... He's done a great job and I think they're starting to settle in and figure out who they are as well. The young guys are stepping up. (Warriors center) Andris Biedrins is playing exceptionally well. He's going to have an All-Star year." Davis ..."

Davis has praise for Jackson and rest of old mates

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November 16

San Francisco Chronicle

"Instead of sharing the backcourt with Stephen Jackson, Baron Davis had to go right at him Saturday. And the ex-Warrior could only smile and laugh as he described how it felt playing his former team for the first time. "It was fun," Davis said. "Obviously, we knew it was going to be a battle. It was more fun than" nerves. Davis had 25 points and 11 assists against the Warriors in a game typical of his Golden State stay. There was excellent court vision and three steals. There was also 7-for-19 shooting from the field, 3-of-10 from three-point range. Mostly, there was respect for the opponents he knows so well. "That was fun, playing against Jack," Davis said. "He's out there talking a ..."

Baron Davis, Marcus Camby trying to get ready

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October 24

Los Angeles Times

"They are racing the calendar, and it looks as if it could be a photo finish for Baron Davis and Marcus Camby. It's all about getting ready in time for the Clippers' season opener, on Wednesday against the Lakers. There are elements of luck involved, pain management and even desperate measures. Camby, sidelined by a bruised right heel, was saying Thursday after his teammates practiced that he planned to get a cortisone shot today to alleviate the pain. "I'll probably still need a couple of weeks of healing," he said. "But time, right now, is not on my side with the season approaching in the next five or six days." He clearly does not want to be a mere spectator Wednesday. "I'm long ..."

Davis almost ready to play, but Clippers had plans to bring in Hunter

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October 22

L.A. Daily News

"So just how serious were the Clippers' contingency plans if the diagnosis on Baron Davis' sprained left ring finger came back negatively? Apparently, serious enough to have free agent guard Lindsey Hunter in for a workout this week.

"We worked him out and he looked great," Clippers coach and general manager Mike Dunleavy said. "He's in great shape, and a good veteran guy."

Now that the Clippers have official word that Davis should only be out another week and doesn't need surgery, it's unlikely they'd sign Hunter, who won NBA championships with the Lakers in 2001-02 and Detroit in 2003-04."

Davis rejoins life in L.A. after some disappointment in Oakland

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October 21

San Francisco Chronicle

"Baron Davis is relaxing in front of his new locker, cracking jokes about his new teammates and analyzing his new life. He says Cuttino Mobley reminds him of Stephen Jackson - a free spirit who always speaks his mind. He says Marcus Camby is everyone's big brother, and that Chris Kaman should have his own reality show. Davis has his money and fame now that he's back in Los Angeles. What he doesn't have is enough time. "It's still work," Davis says. "Moving, finding a house, establishing a routine. You still have to deal with that when you move to a new city." It has been almost four months since Davis left the Bay Area, and the Warriors' former point guard is the new face of the Clippers. ..."

Sprained finger sidelines Clippers' Baron Davis

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October 18

Los Angeles Times

"The room for experimentation in the Clippers' preseason lab expanded a bit more when point guard Baron Davis sprained the ring finger on his left hand at practice Friday. Davis will sit out both of the Clippers' preseason games this weekend at Staples Center, starting with this afternoon's game against Toronto. The finger was not broken, according to X-rays. But an MRI exam was inconclusive and Davis will be reevaluated Monday. He already has sat out the last two games because of flu. The regular season opens Oct. 29 against the Lakers."

Davis happy to be a Clipper, even without Brand

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July 11

L.A. Daily News

"Waiting at the podium, in a crisp black suit, white canvas tennis shoes and with a beaming, bright smile was two-time All-Star point guard Baron Davis, a Los Angeles native, introduced as the newest Clipper at a news conference Thursday afternoon at Staples Center."

Mullin: Davis split 'inevitable'

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July 10

San Francisco Chronicle

"The Warriors' wall of silence shattered Wednesday with Chris Mullin saying he was neither blindsided nor bitter about Baron Davis' swift defection to the Clippers. Rather, the Warriors' vice president characterized the breakup between Golden State and its former franchise player as simply inevitable. "It was really just time for a change, and that's what happened," Mullin said by phone from New York. "You forget, we've been talking for a while about different scenarios, everything under the sun. "By the time that (opt-out) happened, I think he was set on going, and we were set on going in a different direction as well. Baron was with us for 3 1/2 years. It didn't all happen in one ..."

Baron Davis signs his $65-million deal with Clippers.

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July 10

Los Angeles Times

"Point guard Baron Davis signed his five-year, $65-million contract with the Clippers on Wednesday night, the same day the Philadelphia 76ers officially announced their union with Elton Brand. Davis, a two-time All-Star, gives the team what it needed heading into the off-season, a proven point guard. Now, they turn to fill the void left by Brand at power forward. To that end, Clippers Coach Mike Dunleavy went to dinner with Atlanta Hawks restricted free-agent forward Josh Smith and Brian Dyke, one of his agents."

Baron Davis confident he'll be playing with Elton Brand

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July 4

Los Angeles Times

"Baron Davis is at the altar, ready to cement his marriage to the Clippers. He's just waiting for Elton Brand to join him. In his first public comments concerning his soon-to-be-team, Davis said Thursday it was "time to come home." He agreed to join the Clippers, he said, in part because of the lure of playing alongside an All-Star in Brand, who became a free agent when he opted out of his Clippers contract Monday."

Landing Davis is a Sterling moment for Clippers' organization

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July 2

Los Angeles Times

columnist Bill Plaschke

"Admit it, you thought the shaken owner would crumble.You thought Donald Sterling would look around the smoking remains of his once-lavish Clippers team -- two best players leaving, coach steaming, star guard limping -- and he would quit. No more money. No more effort. No more Mr. Rich Guy.Admit it, you thought that this summer, the Clippers were going back to Square One.Instead, on the most glorious July Tuesday in franchise history, they have leaped to Seed Seven.Baron Davis? Are you kidding me?One of the toughest point guards in a point-guard league, bought for $65 million by a team desperately in need of a point guard?One of the coolest Los Angeles kids, with connections from ..."

Clippers step it up, agree to terms with Baron Davis

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July 2

Los Angeles Times

"In a move that shakes the landscape of an already deep Western Conference, the Clippers reached agreement on a contract with All-Star point guard Baron Davis on Tuesday, according to Davis' agent.The deal is expected to be signed for five years and $65 million once the NBA's moratorium period ends next week."

Baron Davis agrees in principle to deal with Clippers

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July 2

L.A. Daily News

"Baron Davis is coming home. Davis has agreed in principle to a deal with the Clippers, a source within the organization confirmed. Davis surprisingly opted out of his contract with Golden State on Monday, even though he had one year remaining on his contract worth $17.8 million. Davis was in San Francisco on Tuesday for the premier of "Made in America," a documentary he produced on gang life in Los Angeles. Speaking to reporters, he didn't exactly confirm the report that he agreed to a deal with the Clippers, but made it known he'll be back in Los Angeles."

Davis's Move to Clippers Gives the League a Jolt

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July 2

New York Times

"Baron Davis has made a career of disrupting defenses with a rare combination of quickness, guile and brute force. He just unleashed the same arsenal on the free-agent market. Davis shocked the Golden State Warriors on Monday by opting out of his contract. He then sent tremors through the league by agreeing to join the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday. Multiple news media outlets reported that Davis was prepared to sign a five-year contract worth about $65 million. No deals can be consummated or announced until July 9, when the league's annual moratorium on trades and signings ends. But Davis's agent, Todd Ramasar, told The Los Angeles Times that a deal had been reached."

Clippers reach verbal agreement to sign Baron Davis

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July 1

Los Angeles Times

"Baron Davis' agent, Todd Ramasar, told The Times that they have a verbal agreement to sign with the Clippers. Davis is expected to sign a contract in the five-year, $50-million range. "From a basketball standpoint it's always been about winning for Baron," Ramasar said. "This presented a good opportunity to do that to pair him with Chris Kaman and Elton Brand is expected back." The Clippers can't announce any deals until July 9 when next year's salary cap is determined."

Warrior stunner: Baron a free agent after opting out of contract

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July 1

Contra Costa Times

"What promised to be a tumultuous offseason for the Warriors was kicked into overdrive Monday when point guard Baron Davis left $17.8 million on the table and opted out of the final year of his contract, becoming an unrestricted free agent and throwing Golden State's immediate plans into confusion. Davis has maintained for months that he wants to remain a Warrior and was telling members of the organization last week that he would not opt out, but with mere hours to spare the man most responsible for breaking Golden State's 12-season playoff drought reversed course dramatically. "I'm surprised, because 17 million is a lot of money for a year of basketball, but that's his ..."

Point guard's shrewd move opens up lanes

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July 1

San Francisco Chronicle

columnist Gwen Knapp

"The temptation to curse Baron Davis' name and burn his agent in effigy may feel overwhelming, but they made the most rational move possible Monday night. As a business decision, and as basketball insurance, opting out of the last year of his Warriors' contract was an uncontested layup for Davis. Although he can't expect to make the $17.8 million that the Warriors owed him next season, he will make up for it with long-term security. At the very least, Davis can expect to get a three-year deal as a free agent, and given the precarious state of his knees, he would have needed a gambler's heart to stick with what he had. Remember, there was only a very limited pretense about Davis' ..."

Warriors' Baron Davis walks away from $17.8 million

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July 1

San Francisco Chronicle

"It's time for Baron Davis and the Warriors to call each other's bluff. Golden State's franchise point guard shocked his coaches and teammates by exercising his early-termination clause Monday night, forgoing the final year and $17.8 million left on his contract. As of 12:01 a.m. this morning, Davis was an unrestricted free agent, free to sign with whomever he wants. It's a surprising turn of events that ranks as both a power move and a huge risk for Davis, who is essentially forcing the Warriors back to the negotiating table after failing to secure a long-term extension."

Pistons eye deal for Baron Davis

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June 25

Contra Costa Times

"As the hours tick down to a draft that will start the ball rolling on the Warriors' potentially franchise-changing offseason, they can be sure of one thing: Star point guard Baron Davis will remain under contract for 2008-09. But that doesn't guarantee he'll be wearing a Golden State uniform when the season begins. A team source said that Davis has told teammates he will not exercise the opt-out provision in his contract before its June 30 expiration date, meaning that he will play out the final year of the deal at a salary of $17.8 million...It's possible that Davis, who wants to stay in the Bay Area but was disappointed with the lowball offers from the Warriors, will ask to be dealt. ..."

Davis decides to stay awhile

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June 25

San Francisco Chronicle

"The Warriors can count on having Baron Davis under contract when free agency begins next week. Todd Ramasar, Davis' agent, said Tuesday that he doesn't expect his client to opt out of his contract before Monday's deadline. "It doesn't seem likely," Ramasar said. "The market could change anytime, but it's unlikely." The decision makes financial sense for Davis, who is due $17.8 million next season, an amount he would not be able to recoup as a free agent. But combined with stalled talks for a contract extension, it also casts his long-term future with the Warriors in doubt."

Baron Davis' bummer of a summer

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June 6

Contra Costa Times

columnist Gary Peterson

"It's barely June, and already Baron Davis has had a lousy summer. First, he watched from the bench as the Warriors' bid for a postseason berth crapped out in Phoenix. Then his agent failed to interest the team in a contract extension. Sure, Davis has spent some quality hangin' time recently with Adam Sandler, and there's no doubt he'll wind up courtside during at least one NBA Finals game in the coming fortnight. But then Don Nelson returned from his Maui holiday with three proclamations:"

Will guard Davis be Baron of NY?

May 24

Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel

"There is little doubt that the Knicks will shop for a point guard this summer, but at least one has come shopping for them. According to a person with knowledge of the situation, the Warriors' Baron Davis has made inquiries into the interest of certain teams around the league, including the Knicks... According to the source, his representation, after a preliminary discussion with the Warriors, has put out feelers to gauge the interest of teams in need of an upgrade at point guard."