Baron Davis signs with D-League in comeback attempt

[Andrew]

Baron Davis signs with D-League in comeback attempt

Former NBA All-Star guard Baron Davis has officially committed to launching a comeback attempt after signing a contract Friday night to play in the NBA's Developmental League.

But the first challenge for Davis, 36, is finding a new team.

Sources told ESPN.com that the Texas Legends, the D-League franchise widely considered the most likely to give Davis a shot after nearly four years away from pro basketball, have decided to pass on signing him.

Davis auditioned last weekend for the Legends, who are the Dallas Mavericks' D-League affiliate and sit second in the current draft order behind the San Antonio-owned Austin Spurs. But the Legends have decided to let their turn pass without claiming Davis.

By putting his name into the D-League player pool, Davis has committed himself to joining whichever team claims him in the 19-team league, which pays a maximum salary of just $25,000.

As always, I say good luck to him. His days of being a star are well behind him at this point, but if he wants to earn a shot at finishing his pro career on his terms, then so be it.

Even if he doesn't make it, I kind of like the idea of having a few more veterans in the D-League, to teach and mentor the younger players who are trying to make the big time.

[NovU]

Yeah, I read about him wanting to comeback couple weeks ago. I guess he can land Elton Brand kind of job in most successful scenario.

[mp3]

Teams in the DLeague have being cautious to pick him up for some reason but I hope someone gives him a chance because even if he's only a quarter of the player he was I think he can teach alot more to the youngsters than light them up on court.

When he was rehabbing he sat with the knicks staff even those he was a FA and I always saw him talking to players like Sam Cassell did his last year's in Minny and with the Bucks

[[Q]]

"Teaching youngsters" in the D-League means nothing. It's not like they're like high school or college kids. They're grown men all chasing a dream. All of those guys are there for a reason: they aren't good enough to even be bench warmers in the NBA. Occasionally you get a true D-Leaguer who gets better and gets called up, but Baron Davis isn't gonna turn some scrub named Erick Green into a decent NBA player.

[Andrew]

Sure, like all minor leagues, some players aren't going to make it to the big time. But some do, and will continue to do so. For those who have a legitimate shot, I imagine the advice of someone who has found success in the NBA would be useful.

[mp3]

The teaching side in the D would be more of a stepping stone to maybe a assistant job or there abouts in the nba

[Andrew]

That too, as far as the older player is concerned.

[NovU]

Davis was looking to be an Elton Brand, not to settle as an D-League teacher. Obviously going to D-League is to prove a) he can be a good mentor, b) he can still play at some level, to land any gig in the NBA. That's at least what I read and thought sensible.

[Andrew]

Sure, that's his ultimate goal here; whether or not he succeeds is yet to be seen. But at the same time, I think it could be beneficial for promising D-League prospects to spend some time with players who've had success in the NBA. Should Davis seek out a coaching position when he does call it a day once and for all, doing a bit of mentoring in the D-League (and if all goes well, the NBA too) could perhaps help him with that.

[mp3]

Some players have earn there way on to nba benches more than others, Steve Nash was well respected mvp that every team would want helping out while Davis if you guys remember was very outspoken through his career and that involved coaches and management

[Patr1ck]

Yeah, I read about him wanting to comeback couple weeks ago. I guess he can land Elton Brand kind of job in most successful scenario.

Maybe The Sixers will eventually sign him and he can finally play with Elton like he was originally supposed to 11 years ago.