Knicks Rumors: NY Will Get Warriors' Version of Baron Davis If He Signs

Remember the Baron Davis who threw down one of the nastiest dunks in NBA Playoff history on Andrei Kirilenko and led his team past the top seeded Dallas Mavericks? That is the version the Knicks will receive if they sign the veteran point guard after he clears waivers.

Well, almost.

Davis isn't as explosive as he once was, but he can still be effective.

Alan Hahn reported via Twitter and Newsday that there is mutual interest between Davis and the Knicks. 

Davis gives his best when he's happy in his environment. This explains the peaks and valleys of his career.

While many fans may hate this about the veteran and other players, Knicks GM Glen Grunwald is observing in Davis his desire to play in New York. 

He knows Davis will be a low-cost, high-potential addition to the team. He also knows that Davis could supplant veteran point guard Mike Bibby and Toney Douglas in the rotation.

The Knicks represent the best opportunity to win that Davis has ever had in his career.

Baron was fired up to play with the Los Angeles Clippers before they traded him to Cleveland in early 2011. He thought his buddy Elton Brand was going to stay in L.A. and that together they would form a talented duo.

When Brand reneged and bolted, Davis felt betrayed. It appeared his dedication fell off, and his play suffered.

Davis' numbers declined from 22 points per game in 2007-08, his final season with the Warriors, to 15 the following season in L.A. His field goal percentage dropped from 43 percent to 37, and his games played from all 82 to only 65.

Davis has a physical condition that may make his pending free agency more likely.

He is expected to miss two months of this season due to a back injury. This may scare off teams from claiming him off waivers. If that happens Davis would be free to sign with any team.

The Knicks might be the perfect fit.

As much as fans may not like players' on/off switch, Knicks fans will love it if Davis signs and is effective.

Davis tweeted this in regards to his current situation:

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"At this point I am just going to focus on my back! That's my main concern so I can be able to play the game I love.!!"

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That is a good thing. We know how good you can be when you're happy, BD.